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SUSAN RENNICK 



Buckeye Boys 

Who Have Become Presidents 



Six Sons of Ohio and Their Part 
in the Nation's History 




By 
SUSAN RENNICK 



The L. W. Walter Company 
CHICAGO 









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Copyright, 1911 

BY 

THE L. W. WALTER CO. 






iC!,A3(] 



A DEDICATION 

THIS BOOK IS DEDICATED TO MY FIFTEEN-YEAR-OLD 
SOLDIER BROTHER 

ALEXANDER NOBLE EENNICK 

WHO SERVED HIS COUNTRY AS A DRUMMER BOY 

AND DIED, AS THE RESULT OF A COLD 

CONTRACTED WHILE IN CAMP 

WITH HIS REGIMENT, IN THE 

YEAR 1880 



FOREWORD 

History is the revelation of Providence. * * * 
Men as well as nations are endowed with free will to 
choose a principle, but, that once chosen, the con- 
sequences must be abided. "With self-government is 
freedom, and with freedom is justice and patriotism. 
* # * With centralization is ambition, and with 
ambition dwells despotism. * * * Happy your great 
country, sir, for being so warmly addicted to that great 
principle of self-government. * * * Every star 
beaming with its own lustre, but altogether one con- 
stellation on mankind's canopy. * * * The lesson 
you give to humanity will not be lost. * * * an( j 
from it will flow happiness, peace and security of the 
whole. 

— Extract from The American Union, Kossuth. 



CONTENTS 

PAGE 

Introduction 9 

Ulysses Simpson Grant 15 

Rutherford Birchard Hayes 75 

James Abram Garfield 121 

Benjamin Harrison 161 

William McKinley 204 

William Howard Taft 261 



INTRODUCTION 

The name Buckeye, as applied to a native of Ohio, 
originated from the Buckeye tree, which is indigenous 
to the State of Ohio. It is its natural locality. It was 
highly prized by the early settlers on account of its 
ready adaptation to the varied wants and conveniences 
of the pioneers. 

The Indians called it "Hetuck," meaning the eye 
of the buck, because of the striking resemblance in 
shape and color between the brown nut and the eye of 
that animal. The Indians gave the appellation ''Buck- 
eyes" as a title of honor to their white friends, as an 
expression of their highest sense of admiration. Sticks 
made from the Buckeye were carried back into the 
East and used as mementos, and displayed as cam- 
paign trophies. 

When William Henry Harrison was candidate for 
the presidency, a veritable log cabin composed entirely 
of buckeyes was carried in the procession, while the 
young men and maidens decorated their wagons and 
themselves with strings of buckeyes. Hundreds of 
these bright, shining nuts were distributed as tokens 
of good luck among the bystanders. 

The trunk of the tree is hard and not easily 
killed; it makes fine back logs in every good cabin 
fire. Its foliage is a joy to the farmer. The bark of 
our State tree has some medicinal properties; when 
made into tea it is very efficacious in the cure of fever 

9 



10 INTRODUCTION 

and ague. When properly administered it proves a 
violent emetic. 

It is a child of the forest. It is quite surprising 
how many failures have resulted from transplanting 
this tree into the city, in attempts to beautify our 
thoroughfares. Notwithstanding this, owing to its 
rapid propagation and hardy endurance of cold, it is 
used as a valuable shade tree in many parts of Europe 
and America. By its nature it is symbolic of the free- 
dom and pertinacity of the dwellers in the Ohio Valley, 
and that those who bear its name can never be the sub- 
jects of enslavement. 

And what of the State from which these Buckeyes 
came ? 

In 1787, the Northwest Territory lying northwest 
of the Ohio River, called by the Indians "the river of 
blood," comprising the States of Ohio, Indiana, Illi- 
nois, Michigan and "Wisconsin, surrendered its title to 
the United States. By the ordinance of 1787 slavery 
was prohibited in this territory. The same ordinance 
provided for the appointment of a Governor by the 
Congress, and the election of an Assembly by the peo- 
ple; the establishment of courts, the encouragement 
of education, and that a population of not less than 
sixty thousand should be requisite before one of the 
divisions of the Territory could apply for admission as 
a State. Ohio was the first to meet these require- 
ments. 

In 1787-1788 a band of seven persons, under Gen- 
eral Rufus Putnam, came from Massachusetts; after 
stopping long enough at Pittsburgh to build a boat, 
they called "The Mayflower," they pushed their way 
for five days down the Ohio River, landing just where 



INTRODUCTION H 

the Muskingum enters that river, and called the settle- 
ment Marietta. 

About the same time John Cleves Symmes obtained 
a grant of one million acres in the same portion of the 
territory, and effected settlements both at North Bend 
and Cincinnati. 

That westward movement incited an unfriendly 
feeling among the Indians, and between the years 1783 
and 1790 over fifteen thousand persons were either 
killed or captured by the unfriendly tribes. 

Open warfare began in 1790, when General St. 
Clair, then Governor of the Territory, met the Indians 
in battle, November, 1791. He was defeated with great 
loss. General Anthony "Wayne succeeded him, with 
less reverses; and a treaty of peace in 1795 put an 
end to the Indian war in the eastern part of the Ohio 
Valley. 

Immigration increased rapidly. The Northwest 
Territory was divided in 1800, the western part taking 
the name of the Indiana Territory, and on February 
19, 1803, the eastern section called Ohio was admitted 
as a State of the Union. 

That State was the scene of many notable battles 
during the "War of 1812. September 10, 1813, Commo- 
dore O. H. Perry defeated the British Squadron at the 
battle of Lake Erie. During the Civil War Ohio was 
the scene of many troublesome raids. President Roose- 
velt never spoke truer words than when, at Cincin- 
nati, in September, 1903, he said: "Ohio is a great 
State." It has the materials for the making of one 
of the foremost States in the Union; its resources are 
manifold ; it is one of the leading agricultural and 
grazing States ; its flouring mills and iron furnaces fur- 



12 INTRODUCTION 

nish manufactures the best in the land ; its oil and coal 
deposits constitute a great source of wealth; its edu- 
cational advantages have placed it in the highest rank 
of intelligence, and its citizens have proved themselves 
equal to those in any of the Union. S. R. 



BUCKEYE BOYS WHO BECAME 
PRESIDENTS 



CHRONOLOGY OP ULYSSES SIMPSON GRANT, 
EIGHTEENTH PRESIDENT OF THE 
UNITED STATES 

1822, April 27, born at Point Pleasant, Ohio. 

1839, July 1, admitted to West Point. 

1843, July 1, brevet Second Lieutenant. 

1847, Sept. 8, brevet First Lieutenant, "for gallant and 

meritorious conduct in the battle of Molino 

del Rey." 
1847, Sept. 13, brevet Captain, "for gallant conduct at 

Chapultepec." 
1847, Sept. 16, First Lieutenant of the Fourth Infantry. 

1853, Aug. 5, Captain of the Fourth Infantry. 

1854, July 31, resigned from the army. 
1854-1859, farmer near St. Louis, Mo. 
1859-1860, real estate agent, St. Louis, Mo. 
1860-1861, merchant, Galena, 111. 

1861, April 19, commander of a company of Illinois vol- 
unteers. 

1861, June 17, Colonel of the Twenty-first Illinois Vol- 
unteers. 

1861, Aug. 7, Brigadier-General, United States Volun- 
teers, to date from May 27. 

1861, Nov. 7, fought the battle of Belmont. 

1862, Feb. 16, captured Ft. Donelson. 

1862, Feb. 16, Major-General, United States Volun- 
teers. 

1862, April 6-7, fought the battle of Shiloh. 

1863, July 4, received the surrender of Vicksburg. 
1863, July 4, Major-General, United States Army. 
1863, Dec. 16, the thanks of Congress and a gold medal. 

1863, Dec. 25, raised the siege of Chattanooga. 

1864, March 2, Lieutenant-General, United States Army. 
1864, May 5-6, fought the battle of the Wilderness. 

15 



16 ULYSSES SIMPSON GEANT 

1865, April 9, received the surrender of General R. E. 

Lee. 

1866, July 25, General, United States Army. 

1867, Aug. 12, Secretary of War ad interim. 
1869-1877, President of the United States. 

1882, commissioner to negotiate a commercial treaty 

with Mexico. 
1885, March 4, General, United States Army, retired. 
1884-1885, wrote his "Personal Memoirs." 
1885, July 23, died at McGregor, New York. 
1885, Aug. 8, temporary burial in Riverside Park. 
1897, April 27, dedication of the new tomb. 



ULYSSES SIMPSON GRANT 

Born 1822, April 27. Died 1885, July 23. 

"We'll fight it out on this line if it takes all summer." 

— U. S. Grant. 

Ancestry and Birth. 

On the twenty-seventh of April, 1822, Ulysses S. 
Grant first saw the light of day in an humble home 
at Point Pleasant, on the bank of the Ohio River, 
called by the Indians "the river of blood." 

In the year 1630 a company of immigrants from 
the west of England came to the Plymouth colony. 
Among them were Matthew and Priscilla Grant, who 
were still young and ambitious to make a home. 
"These west-country people" settled at Matapah, four 
miles from Boston. Matthew Grant was one of the 
most pious, reliable and active citizens. His grandson, 
Noah, was a brave, energetic soldier in the French 
and Indian War, the same in which George Washing- 
ton began his career. 

Several years after Noah Grant, with his family, 
moved down the Monongahela River and settled in 
Columbiana County, Ohio. He made but a short stay 
here, then pressed on to the Western Reserve, where 
a company of Connecticut people had located. 

Jesse Root Grant, an active lad, was put to the 
tanner's trade, and at eighteen was apprenticed to 
his half-brother in Maysville, Kentucky. At the age 
of twenty-one he embarked in the tanning business in 

17 



18 ULYSSES SIMPSON GRANT 

a small way. He prospered in business in Ravenna, un- 
til the fever and ague weakened him so much that he 
was compelled to return to Maysville. After regain- 
ing his health he settled in Point Pleasant, Ohio, and 
in the early summer time of 1821 he married Hannah 
Simpson, and the following April, their first child, 
Hiram Ulysses, was born to them. 

Young Manhood. 

There was nothing in the early life of the sturdy, 
honest lad that would mark him as a remarkable char- 
acter. It took years of severe discipline and rough 
army life to crown him one of the greatest generals 
the world has ever known. The Rebellion was a ter- 
rible fact, as terrible as earth has ever known; the 
greatest crime ever perpetrated. Its responsibility lay 
somewhere. Had that honest-hearted, energetic, mod- 
est, good boy not realized that, his fame might never 
have spread beyond the narrow confines of the small 
western town of Galena, in which he was then engaged 
in the tanning business, after successful years of wars 
in Mexico. 

When Ulysses was ten months old the family 
moved to Georgetown, ten miles back from the Ohio 
River. He was a remarkably quiet, but not a diffident, 
boy; he was fond of all outdoor sports, and of horses. 
At twelve years of age he began to haul lumber, logs 
and stone. His horses were ever at his bidding, and 
his skill in handling them was unusual in one so young. 
He disliked hard work, but with his team he could ac- 
complish more than some men. It was no uncommon 
thing for him to take loads to Cincinnati, fifty miles 
away. The roads were rough, and when asked "why 



ULYSSES SIMPSON GKANT 19 

his horses never got stalled," he replied, "Because I 
never get stalled myself." 
How prophetic these words ! 

At School. 

There was nothing remarkable in this boy's at- 
tainments at school; he was slow and thoughtful, car- 
ing little for any of his lessons, with the exception of 
arithmetic. No persuasion could induce him to leave a 
problem until he had mastered it. From his mother 
he inherited all that was thoughtful, modest and sen- 
sitive ; from the father he took his stockiness, force and 
self-will; these combined in this young man a nature 
of coolness in danger and a modest self-poise, which 
made him the embryo military hero and President of 
the greatest Republic under the sun. But there was 
need of development. There was war-blood in his 
veins. His maternal grandsire had often fired his 
young heart with incidents of the French and Indian 
War. 

Ulysses had early evinced a great interest in sol- 
diers, drilling and musters. The tannery was hateful 
to him. He protested when his father spoke of his 
beginning the work. ''Well, what do you want to 
do?" his father asked. 

"I should like to be a farmer or a river-trader, 
or have an education," the boy replied. 

A neighbor's son had gone to West Point; it oc- 
curred to Jesse Grant that as his son had the military 
vein of the Grant family, why not try him there, for 
"learning is better than houses, lands or money," he 
thought. Accordingly he inquired of Ulysses: 

"How would you like to go to West Point?" 



20 ULYSSES SIMPSON GEANT 

" First rate," was the reply. 

Jesse knew the Congressman from their district, 
and made application for his oldest son. There was 
no vacancy in their district, but a neighbor-member 
had one, and it was speedily arranged that Ulysses 
Grant should have the favor. That created a stir in the 
neighborhood. "A more unlikely subject could not 
have been chosen," they said. Everybody wondered. 
The would-be wise ones shook their heads. 

The Georgetown people were completely taken off 
their feet. There was "nothing against him," but, 
then "nothing of him," they thought, But that mother 
had trained her boy into a true command of himself, 
and the common schools had planted better than they 
knew. His call came at the moment when it was most 
needed. When his application was entered at West 
Point, the member of Congress enrolled him as Ulysses 
Simpson Grant, It was entered on the books and he 
never succeeded in having it changed. 

By the aid of a short course of special study he 
passed a creditable examination. His average during 
his term was fair in recitations, good in deportment, 
a thoroughly respectable record, but nothing to excite 
suspicion of the great general to come. His calmness, 
fairness, his speaking without exaggeration, and his 
justice in daily actions made him many friends. 

He was not an ambitious scholar, his final standing 
being twenty-first in his class of thirty-five; but his 
horsemanship excelled all others. His favorite horse 
"York" was his constant companion. It was at the 
final examination that he appeared before the as- 
sembled board of examiners and a great company of 
visitors on "York," and made that celebrated "Grant's 



ULYSSES SIMPSON GEANT 21 

leap on York." It was six feet and some two or three 
inches over a pole ; the highest leap that had ever been 
made at West Point. 

He was graduated June 31, 1843. 

He was brevetted Second-Lieutenant Grant in the 
4th Infantry, then located at Jefferson barracks, near 
St. Louis. After enjoying his ninety days' furlough 
with his friends in Ohio he repaired to his regiment. 

Not being then in a studious frame of mind, and 
seeking relaxation in the company of congenial 
friends, he found the associations of his classmate, Colo- 
nel Frederick Dent, at Gravois Creek, most agreeable. 
A ride of ten miles on days so cool, so calm, so 
bright they seemed the bridal of the earth and sky, for 
was not Julia Dent there, a young woman three years 
his junior, with nothing to call her from his enter- 
tainment, accompanied constantly by her slave-waiter, 
about her own age? It was impossible for the young 
lieutenant not to feel this master-spirit clothed in 
tenderest love and service. 

Mrs. Grant once put in a few words the story of 
her courtship and married life, as follows : 

"General Grant was my brother's chum at West 
Point. It was an odd coincidence that after they were 
graduated my brother was sent to a distant post, while 
Lieutenant Grant was stationed at Ft. Jefferson, a few 
miles from our plantation, near St. Louis. Several 
months later came the Mexican War, and Lieutenant 
Grant went away. Before he left for the front I had 
promised to be his wife. 

"When the Mexican War closed Lieutenant Grant 
came back with laurels and a Captaincy, and we were 
married. Soon after Captain Grant was ordered to a 



22 ULYSSES SIMPSON GEANT 

"Western post, and for several years he did frontier 
duty. 

"Captain Grant, however, was a better soldier in 
time of war than of peace. He was happy in the noise 
and din of battle, but restless in the barracks. He re- 
signed from the army, took a plantation in Missouri, 
and went to farming. That was the first real domestic 
life we had experienced since our marriage. 

"My tenderest memories cluster 'round the old 
farm. It was there our children were born, and it was 
the first place the Captain and I had what we could 
call 'home.' " 

In May, 1844, Lieutenant Grant came back to the 
old home in Ohio. Orders to start for Red River cut 
short his visit. For two years he kept watch and guard 
over the vagabond and dissatisfied Indians in their 
dreary solitudes. 

At the beginning of the Mexican "War Lieutenant 
Grant was sent with his regiment to Corpus Christi. 
His first battle was at Palo Alto. For several hours 
the two armies stood upon a vast prairie discharging 
their cannon. The American being larger and better 
manned made desperate havoc among the natives ! 
Under cover of night the Mexicans retreated, with a 
loss in killed and wounded of two hundred and sixty. 
The American loss was four killed and thirty-two 
wounded. 

The retreating army made a halt at Resaca de la 
Palma, where amidst thickets of dwarf-oaks a terrible 
battle took place. The Mexicans lost one thousand 
men; the United States forces, under command of 
General Taylor, lost one hundred and fifty killed and 
wounded. This was Lieutenant Grant's second battle. 

The Americans encouraged by the retreat of the 



ULYSSES SIMPSON GEANT 23 

Mexicans pressed on, six thousand strong, across the 
River Rio Grande upon Monterey, which was strongly 
fortified by ten thousand Mexicans; after a fearful 
bloody struggle of several days the city capitulated on 
September 24, 1846. That was Lieutenant Grant's 
third battle. 

Previous to this time there had been no opportunity 
for the display of either skill or heroism ; but now 
there was the call. The ammunition was exhausted. 
It was necessary that more be furnished, although the 
supply was at the risk of any soldier's life who braved 
the bullets of the foe. Lieutenant Grant now had 
opportunity to display the knowledge gained by his 
residence with the Indians. He knew no such word as 
fail, but grasped the mane of his horse, and hanging 
upon the side of the faithful animal, "ran the gant- 
let" in safety. 

From Monterey he was sent, with the Fourth In- 
fantry, to the aid of General Winfield Scott in the 
siege of Vera Cruz. He proved himself an efficient 
officer in this important capture. 

"While preparations were going on for the march to 
the city of Mexico, Lieutenant Grant was appointed 
quartermaster of his regiment. 

At the battle of Molino del Rey he was promoted 
to a first lieutenancy, and was brevetted Captain at 
Chapultepec. At the close of the Mexican "War Cap- 
tain Grant returned with his regiment to New York, 
and was again sent to one of the military posts on the 
frontier. 

During the excitement caused by the discovery of 
gold in California, and while the immense tide of 
emigration was moving westward Captain Grant was 



24 ULYSSES SIMPSON GRANT 

sent with a battalion to Fort Dallas, in Oregon, for 
the protection of the interests of the emigrants. 

Dark Days. 

At Fort Humboldt, two hundred and forty miles 
south of San Francisco, he found plenty of idle time 
on his hands, and idleness ofttimes breeds mischief, and 
is the parent of vice and misery. In a moment of weak- 
ness he yielded to the tempter and ''took to drink." 

At Sackett's Harbor he had been strengthened by 
his affiliation with the societies of the Sons of Temper- 
ance and the Odd Fellows ; but environment had been 
more potent than any absent association. "With no wife 
to comfort him, and no sweet communion with his two 
children he went from bad to worse, until the battle 
was lost and the effects became the misfortune of his 
life. "No chain is stronger than its weakest link." 
He soon found that "small faults indulged in are little 
thieves that let in greater." For many years the 
destroyer followed him wherever he went, and pro- 
duced failure in his farming and business; it placed 
him among associates that did not belong to his life. 
Bereft of wife and family he was of all men the most 
miserable. 

Oh! that every man could hear the sweet small 
voice of 

"OUR MARTYRED MOTHERS' CRY." 

Up from the valley, the hill and the plain 
Comes the cry of despairing ones again and again : 

Help ! help ! is their cry, 

Ere we suffer and die, 
And the Nation's bereft of its mothers. 



' ULYSSES SIMPSON GRANT 25 

There's a war-cry that's rising from hillside and dale, 
From widows' and orphans' most pitiful tale: 

Our brothers and sons, 

Our best beloved ones, 
Are failing, and we cannot help them. 

Strike down this fell demon while yet there is life, 
Be up, and strong at them at morn and at night, 

With vote and with pen, 

Like Christ-loving men, 
Do your duty to-day to protect them. 

Oh ! hasten the day when the rum-fiend must fly, 
And homes be made happy with joy from on high; 

When merry, happy shout 

Shall circle roundabout, 
That Prohibition guards our homes and nation. 

But, "it's a long lane that never has a turn." His 
escapades had reached Washington, and rumors were 
rife that he would be superseded or, in all events, rep- 
rimanded unless he reformed. But the man in him 
was not all bad ; he had been made a man of brains, of 
ideas, of resources, of enduring will in time of war, 
and now the old time spirit and his highest qualities 
shone forth brightest in this his moment of supreme 
trial. 

Naturally thoughtful and reserved, he once more 
determined to conquer disaster, calumny, treachery, 
and this fell disease. Having this master-spirit of 
his own enterprise he made haste to send in his resig- 
nation, at the same time remarking to a friend: 

"Whoever hears of me in ten years will hear of a 
well-to-do old Missouri farmer," but, the best laid 
schemes of mice and men "gang aft agley." 

He made his way to the Empire City, destitute and 



26 ULYSSES SIMPSON GEANT 

friendless, but when men forsake us the Lord takes 
us up. So his fellow officers gave him their sympathy 
and raised the necessary money to send him to 
Sackett's Harbor. Here he hoped to collect the sum 
of sixteen hundred dollars from the sutler of his regi- 
ment, whom he had assisted by this loan in time of 
prosperity, but the man was without disposition or 
the money to liquidate the debt. 

"The worth of the dollar is best known by the want 
of it," was never more truly exemplified than in this 
case. He returned to New York well-nigh discouraged. 
He was out of the army, without employment, in dis- 
grace and destitute. He now found that wickedness 
truly is a noble robe of shame. 

He was now on the highroad to beggary, but was 
not his father his friend? Yes. Immediately on the 
receipt of his repentant letter, his father replied: 
"Amendment is the best sign of true repentance." 
Accordingly his brother, Simpson, was dispatched to 
his relief, carrying with him the old home love, and 
the money to take him to his loving wife and desolate 
children awaiting him at Mr. Dent's home in St. Louis. 

After a short visit there he removed with his family 
to his father's, now at Covington, Kentucky. He re- 
mained with them several months, dispirited and well- 
nigh broken-hearted as a consequence of his selfish in- 
dulgence in drink. 

As a Farmer. 

"Constant occupation prevents temptation," rang in 
his ears night and day, and he made haste to take up 
the farming of sixty acres of land given to Mrs. Grant 



ULYSSES SIMPSON GEANT 21 

by her father. It was at Whitehaven on the Gravois 
Creek, ten miles out of St. Louis. 

Her old birthplace held tender memories for Mrs. 
Grant, and she hoped the old-time love and happiness 
might return to them. They built a log cabin and 
began a simple life as farmers. The name "Hard- 
scrabble" tells its own tale. No one dreamed that the 
occupant of that insignificant abode should ever hold 
the greatest gift a nation ever gave to man. 

Mr. Grant knew nothing of the work necessary to 
the best interest of the farm to be desired from the 
labors of his wife's three slaves. He could not secure 
their co-operation in the work on the farm. 

There was one thing he could do; he had ever been 
the master of the horse, and as hauling wood to St. 
Louis brought money, he made good use of his child- 
hood's sport. His team was good, but again sin 
lurked in the cup, and drove him away from his busi- 
ness. His return trips were often delayed long beyond 
the necessary time, causing great anxiety to the wait- 
ing ones in the little cabin home. True, he fought 
against the evils of liquor and tobacco, but it was an 
uneven fight and he was often worsted. 

A Real Estate Agent. 

In the spring of 1859, Captain Grant rented "Hard- 
scrabble," and hired a house in the city. He engaged 
in the real estate business in company with a relative 
of the Dent family. He sold his farm and purchased 
property in the city. They found it uphill work, and 
in less than a year the firm dissolved. 

A temporary position was secured for him in the 
custom house, but in a month's time the collector died 



28 ULYSSES SIMPSON GEANT 

and he was compelled to seek other employment. With 
a family of four children and nothing in view, he again 
appealed to his ever-loving father. Had he not taught 
him to "acquire honesty, seek humility, practice 
economy, and to love fidelity?" His father could not 
turn him away. Said he: "Communicate with Simp- 
son and Orville ; they will help you. ' ' 

The father had set his brothers up in the tanning 
business, in Galena, Illinois. At his father's request 
they offered Ulysses employment at six hundred dol- 
lars a year. The offer was gladly accepted, and he 
removed in March, 1860, with his family to Galena. 

As a Clerk. 

By slow degrees he was mastering his passions and 
conquering his greatest enemy, but it was a difficult 
task. His position was that of general clerk; he had 
not been developed on the business side of life, yet. 
With his cigar and a company of eager listeners he 
found more enjoyment in telling stories than in mak- 
ing bargains. His expenses far exceeded his income. 
His brothers raised his salary to eight hundred dollars., 
Times were more hopeful for him. He looked forward 
by his father's help to a partnership in the business. 

Better Days for Grant. 

He had taken little part in politics up to 1860, and 
his father and brothers had been enthusiastic Repub- 
licans ; he was a Democrat, though in a quiet way. He 
heard the speeches of Douglas, and was dissatisfied 
with him. His first vote was cast for Buchanan. He 
soon became ashamed of him. He was not a voter in 
Illinois. His sympathies were being awakened by the 



ULYSSES SIMPSON GRANT 29 

Republicans, and when Abraham Lincoln was elected 
he joined heartily with his brothers in a magnificent 
celebration at their store. 

He had been a partial slave-holder up to this time, 
but the time for action was near at hand. The insti- 
tution of slavery, that legalized crime in all the fore- 
most countries of the world for untold years, had 
branded an indelible stain upon the character of man- 
kind, tortured the bodies of its able defenders in blaz- 
ing fires, and drenched their pure souls in boiling 
blood. But the day came when the American patriotic 
citizens sent their protest against the iniquitous thing 
out of the muzzles of their guns. 

On the twelfth of April, 1861, the rebels in Charles- 
ton, South Carolina, fired upon the American flag 
waving over Fort Sumter. This was a signal for 
war. 

Three days after the firing on Fort Sumter, Presi- 
dent Lincoln called for seventy-five thousand volun- 
teers to serve three months, and summoned Congress 
to meet on the Fourth of July; within a week three 
hundred thousand men clamored for admission into 
the ranks; while the "stars and bars" fluttered defi- 
antly in the breeze. 

The news spread like wild-fire, and Captain Grant 
first heard it in his counting-room, and said: 

"Uncle Sam has educated me for the army; though 
I have served him through one war, I do not feel that 
I have yet repaid the debt. I am still ready to dis- 
charge my obligations. I shall, therefore, buckle on 
my sword and see Uncle Sam through this war, too." 
And right royally he kept his word. 

From the citizens of the town he raised a company 



30 ULYSSES SIMPSON GRANT 

of volunteers. As their Captain he led them to 
Springfield, Illinois, where he offered their services 
to Governor Yates. Being immediately impressed 
with the straightforward, executive ability and zeal 
of Captain Grant, the Governor placed a desk at his 
disposal, and soon they were busy enlisting the young 
men from all over the state of Illinois. He was still 
self-distrusting, asking for no position, yet ardently 
wishing for one. 

One day a clerk from the store in Galena came into 
the Governor's office. "What kind of a man is this 
Captain Grant? He seems anxious to serve, though 
reluctant to take any high position." 

The clerk replied: "The way to deal with him is to 
ask him no questions, but order him, and he will 
obey." 

A disorderly regiment from Decatur was without its 
Colonel and immediately the Governor appointed 
Grant its Colonel, and ordered him at once to assume 
command. Out of confusion he brought order, and 
marched the regiment across the country to Missouri 
for discipline. 

The Government was not long in recognizing the 
high order of his military services, and demanded from 
him active service in the field. This was his ardent 
wish. On the fifteenth of June, 1861, Captain Grant 
received his commission as Colonel of the 23d Regi- 
ment of Illinois Volunteers. 

His service of fifteen years in the regular army, 
after his graduation at "West Point, only increased 
his usefulness therein, and it was this steady ad- 
herence to duty that won for him the rank of Brig- 



ULYSSES SIMPSON GRANT 31 

adier-General. He was placed in command at Cairo 
at the junction of the Ohio and Mississippi rivers. 

The Confederates were anxious for possession in 
the North, and raised their banner at Paducah, at the 
mouth of the Tennessee River. General Grant was 
there ere its folds swept the breeze. The story of its 
capture is brief. "The rebels fled. Their banner fell. 
The stars and stripes were unfurled in their stead." 

On he pressed, after garrisoning this post, advanced 
toward the mouth of the Cumberland River, and oc- 
cupied an important point at Smithland. 

Thrilling Stories of the Great Rebellion. 

The wisdom of this action displayed itself in the 
subsequent events which proved his sagacity in rear- 
ing his batteries at the mouths of both these streams. 

Twenty thousand Confederates garrisoned the works 
at Columbus, a few miles below Cairo, on the Missis- 
sippi River. Heavy guns commanded the river. They 
fortified themselves with ramparts and batteries. 
General Grant had not force sufficient to attack Colum- 
bus, but bent his energies against the forces at Bel- 
mont, on the opposite Missouri shore. 

A Cute Darkey. 

Belmont Bob was the body servant of a noted gen- 
eral at the battle of Belmont. When the retreat com- 
menced, he started for the boats. After galloping 
some distance he reached the bank ; he dismounted and 
slid rapidly down, when an officer seeing his action, 
called out: 

"Stop, you rascal, and bring along the horse." 
Merely looking up as he waded to the plank through 
the mud, the darkey replied: 



32 ULYSSES SIMPSON GRANT 

"Can't 'bey, Colonel; Major done tole me to save 
the most valuablest property, and dis niggah's worf 
more'n a horse." 

The sixth of November, General Grant, with three 
thousand men, convoyed by two gunboats, began the 
descent of the river. The night was dark and foggy. 
The early dawn found them marching rapidly through 
the dense forest, upon the earthwork at Belmont, 
which was guarded by twice his own number of men. 
The rebels, taken by surprise, broke and fled in wild 
confusion. A great conflagration ensued. The stars 
and stripes were raised over the conquered field ; while 
the ears of the rebels at Columbus were made to tingle 
with the wild shouts of the victorious army — another 
of those surprising events which have marked our 
country's victory. 

Amid this exultation an aide rode up and excitedly 
exclaimed : 

"We are surrounded!" 

"Very well," said the General, "we must cut our 
way out as we cut our way in. We have whipped 
them once, and I think we can do it again." 

They did cut their way out, through thirteen regi- 
ments of infantry and three squadrons of cavalry. 

The rebels constructed Fort Henry on the Tennessee 
River and Fort Donelson on the Cumberland. 

In February, 1862, an expedition, under command of 
Commodore Foote, and a land force of seventeen thou- 
sand men, under General Grant, was convoyed by 
transports. The troops disembarked at midnight in a 
drenching rain. They were to attack the fort in the 
rear and by a circuitous route through the forest to 



ULYSSES SIMPSON GEANT 33 

cut off the retreat of the garrison by what was called 
the Dover Road to Fort Donelson. 

The heroic Commodore said to General Grant, as he 
commenced his march of eight miles: 

"You must move quickly, or I shall take the fort 
before you get there." 

At a distance of a mile and a quarter from the fort 
the gallant little fleet opened fire, and moved cau- 
tiously within six hundred feet of the cannon. The 
fight was so terrible that all were silenced, except 
four guns. The rebels raised the white flag of sur- 
render. General Tilghman, Commander of the fort, 
and sixty-three men were captured. The fall of Fort 
Henry opened up the rebel territory. 

Early on the morning of the twelfth of February, 
1862, General Grant and fifteen thousand men marched 
across the country toward Fort Donelson. Numerous 
batteries were stationed in a cluster of forts; while 
ramparts, rifle-pits, bastions and abatis of felled trees 
made it almost impregnable. Commodore Foote de- 
scended the Tennessee for repairs on his gunboats that 
he might the more easily attack Fort Donelson on the 
water side. Their rebel generals, Buckner, Pillow and 
Floyd, had twenty thousand soldiers in command at 
the Fort. 

The battle lasted three days. It was one of the most 
desperate and bloody that the annals of history record. 
But a good cause makes a stout heart and a strong 
arm. Every position taken was held. The battle 
really commenced on November 12. 

On the sixteenth of February, the fort was sur- 
rendered. 

General Grant was preparing to storm the intrench- 



34 ULYSSES SIMPSON GRANT 

merits. Two rebel Generals were abandoning the fort 
and were seen ascending the river. An orderly ar- 
rived with a note asking for terms. 

"No terms can be accepted, but unconditional sur- 
render; I propose to move immediately upon your 
works," was the prompt reply. 

There was no alternative left to Buckner. Sixty- 
five guns, seventeen thousand six hundred small arms, 
with an immense amount of military stores, fell into 
the hands of the Government. 

The Union loss was about two thousand killed, 
wounded and missing. 

As a Major-General. 

General Grant here electrified the country by his 
victory through his indomitable pushing forward and 
hard fighting. As a recognition of his courage, Sec- 
retary Stanton recommended him as Major-General 
of the Volunteers. On the same day President Lin- 
coln nominated him to the Senate. The Senate at 
once confirmed the nomination. 

The first really important success of the Union army 
had been the fall of Fort Donelson; by it General 
Grant gained his national reputation. "Patience is 
bitter, but the fruit is sweet," was felt at this moment. 

With an eye single to the glory of the flag he knew 
well how to secure the results of victory. "Within a 
week he took possession of Clarksville and Nashville. 
Thus having taken command of the Cumberland, he 
took up headquarters at Fort Henry that he might 
also control the Tennessee River. 

Here he learned of the proposed invasion of Ohio, 
the land of his birth and the home of his dearest ties 



ULYSSES SIMPSON GRANT 35 

on earth. This must be prevented at all hazards. 
Grant advanced to Pittsburgh Landing, and disem- 
barked twenty miles from Corinth with thirty-five 
thousand soldiers. Here they were to be joined by 
General Buell with forty thousand troops from Nash- 
ville. The rebels had seventy thousand men at 
Corinth. 

General Johnson, Commander of the rebel troops, 
resolved to advance upon Grant's little band and crush 
it before Buell 's arrival. At five o'clock in the morn- 
ing of the sixth of April, 1862, the whole rebel army 
fell upon our slumbering troops — a day long to be re- 
membered for its carnage and death — a day disastrous 
to the Union arms. They fought with death staring 
them in the face. Night brought an end to the con- 
flict. The rebels felt jubilant and had no doubt of 
an easy victory awaiting them on the morrow. But 
they counted without their host. No thought of de- 
feat entered the mind of Grant. 

During the night he reorganized his shattered 
divisions, and formed a new line of battle. General 
Buell, with his forty thousand troops, was ferried 
across the stream and placed in battle array. An 
impetuous assault was made upon the astonished 
rebels, to their utter confusion. The foe lost twenty 
thousand men, General Grant's loss being twelve 
thousand. Desolation reigned over the fields of con- 
flict too horrible to record. 

The battle of Shiloh was a miserable defeat, for the 
Confederates, while the second battle at Pittsburgh 
Landing was a still more glorious victory, for the 
greater the difficulty, the more glory there is in sur- 
mounting it. 



36 ULYSSES SIMPSON GEANT 

"We have not time nor space to follow Grant to 
Corinth, nor detail the siege of Vicksburg. It extend- 
ed over vast areas of territory. It commenced early 
in February, 1863. A mine was dug under one of the 
important batteries of the enemy, charged with over 
two thousand pounds. Its explosion was to be the 
signal for the simultaneous attack by land and water. 

The twenty-fifth of June, 1863, was a delightful 
summer day, "and soft the strain when balmy zephyrs 
blow." The match was applied at three o'clock in the 
afternoon. The whole army drawn up for an immedi- 
ate assault held its breath in suspense. A white line of 
smoke ran along the trench through which the fuse 
was laid, and the fire crept rapidly toward the buried 
magazine. Soon was heard an underground rumbling, 
then a terrible upheaving into the air of rocks, earth, 
timber, guns, all commingled with the mangled forms 
of men. Then, instantly, an awful scene burst upon 
the eyes of the troops as they rushed to the deadly 
conflict. 

The rebels were as determined to hold the fort as 
the Union forces were to repulse them. When asked 
if he could take the city, General Grant made reply: 

"Certainly. I can not tell exactly when I shall 
take the town; but, I mean to stay here till I do, if it 
takes me thirty years." 

The final assault was to take place on the Fourth 
of July. Pemberton, the Confederate General, realiz- 
ing that he could not repel the charge on the third, 
proposed terms of capitulation. 

General Grant replied: "The only terms are the un- 
conditional surrender of the city and garrison." 

General Pemberton, hoping to obtain some conces- 



ULYSSES SIMPSON GRANT 37 

sions, proposed a personal interview. The meeting 
took place upon an eminence, beneath an oak tree 
about two hundred feet from the Confederate lines. 
Each General was accompanied by his staff and sev- 
eral officers. The Generals met in a most courteous 
manner and shook hands. General Grant firmly ad- 
hered to his terms of "unconditional surrender." 
General Pemberton, knowing that further resistance 
was out of the question, and defeat would operate 
absolute destruction, accepted the terms. 

On the morning of July 4, 1863, white flags at the 
garrison announced that the rebels had surrendered 
the city. Thirty thousand, six hundred prisoners 
were taken, and one hundred and seventy-two cannon. 
By the fall of Vicksburg, the Mississippi Valley was 
open from Cairo to the Gulf of Mexico; which in- 
spirited the public mind by an assumption of vigorous 
operations, which the General undertook to the inter- 
ests of his country. 

On the thirtieth of August, Grant left Vicksburg for 
New Orleans to co-operate with General Banks. Here 
he was injured severely by being thrown from his 
horse. He was confined to his bed for twenty days. 
For many weeks afterward he hobbled about on 
crutches. 

On the nineteenth of September, 1863, one of the 
most terrible battles of the Rebellion was fought. 

The Battle of Chickamauga. 

The Union troops were driven back behind their 
intrenchments, after a loss of sixteen thousand — in 
killed, wounded and missing — being closely besieged 
by a rebel force of eighty thousand men. General 



38 ULYSSES SIMPSON GRANT 

Grant was sent to their relief. Again, we see the 
man able by his intrepid action to control the dis- 
orders consequent on the quick successions of sur- 
prising events which have characterized his war rec- 
ord. On the nineteenth of October, General Grant 
sent the following dispatch to General Thomas: 

"Hold Chattanooga at all hazards. I shall be there 
as soon as possible." 

The response of General Thomas was: 

"I shall hold the town till we starve." 

The fourth day later proved a most miserable one, 
cold and stormy. General Grant, wet, chilled and 
completely exhausted, entered Chattanooga just as 
the troops closed in for the night. The ashes of the 
slain spoke the gloom the men felt. An electric thrill 
went through every heart at his word of command. 
General Sherman was hurried forward with the 15th 
Army Corps from the Valley of the Mississippi. 

Over miry roads, bridging flooded streams, making 
painful delays; onward they marched. General Burn- 
side was in constant danger of being over-reached at 
Knoxville. Grant was undisputed master of the oc- 
casion. His whole being was strained to the utmost. 

Several bloody encounters took place during the 
march of thirteen miles, through densely wooded 
forests and over mountains. 

As the church clock struck twelve, on the twenty- 
third of November, General Sherman's troops crossed 
the Tennessee River, and took a position on the 
enemy's right, north of Missionary Ridge. 

The next day General Hooker drove the rebels in 
wild confusion from Lookout Mountain, a most de- 
sirable post on the enemy's left. 



ULYSSES SIMPSON GEANT 39 

The main attack was at the center from Orchard 
Knob, under the command of General Grant. 

On the twenty-fifth the whole army rushed upon 
the rebels; upon the right, at the left, and from the 
center. The battle was terrible. It was a day of 
bloodshed and anguish and death to thousands. The 
Union loss was four thousand; the rebels' was never 
known. 

General Grant sent the following modest telegram 
to the authorities at Washington: 

"Although the battle lasted from early dawn till 
dark this evening, I believe I am not premature in 
announcing a complete victory over Bragg. Look- 
out Mountain top, all the rifle-pits in Chattanooga 
Valley and Missionary Ridge entire, have been carried 
and are now held by us. I have no idea of finding 
Bragg here tomorrow." 

And he was not mistaken. In the fierce battle the 
rebels were completely routed, and fleeing, left be- 
hind them their colors and cannon. A train of de- 
pressing and disastrous consequences for the Confed- 
erate army followed in quick succession. Well might 
Grant say with Napoleon, "Hannibal forced the Alps"; 
"We have turned them"; for with this the heart of 
the Rebellion had been pierced and all things turned 
toward victory. General Grant, ably assisted by a 
noble corps of generals, gave the retreating foe no rest, 
urging them on, over the Tennessee into Georgia. 

The Indian Chieftain, Colonel Parker, of the Tona- 
wanda tribe, thus describes General Grant's conduct 
during the battle : 

"It has been a universal wonder in this army that 



40 ULYSSES SIMPSON GEANT 

General Grant was not killed, for the General was al- 
ways in the front, and perfectly regardless of the 
storm of hissing bullets and screaming shot flying 
around him. * * * * Not once did it enter the 
General's mind that he was in danger. I was by his 
side and watched him closely. * * * 

"I could see that he was studying the positions of 
the two armies, and, of course, planning how to defeat 
the enemy, who were making a desperate stand, and 
slaughtering our men fearfully." 

How like the Indian of colonial times, with his 
tribute to "Washington. Grant had made a study of 
mankind as well as books and military tactics. 

At the first meeting of Congress a vote of thanks 
was tendered General Grant and the officers and 
soldiers under his command, for their valiant conduct. 
A gold medal was ordered and presented to General 
Grant commemorative of his heroic action. 

Ever the thoughtful man he was anxious to look 
after the comforts of soldiers; their equipments 
meager, their cavalrymen without horses, and their 
ammunition exhausted. Winter was now upon them. 
The immense army needed clothing, food and shelter. 
General Grant felt responsible for this. He visited 
the outposts in person. Everywhere he was received 
with enthusiastic demonstrations. He was, however, 
a man of deeds, not words. At St. Louis he even sur- 
prised himself into making a speech. 

It happened on this wise. " Speech! Speech!" came 
from an immense crowd gathered in front of the hotel. 
The clamor increased, then suddenly ceased as he 
appeared upon the balcony. 

"Gentlemen, making speeches is not my business. 



ULYSSES SIMPSON GRANT 41 

I never did it in my life, and never will. I thank you, 
however, for your attendance here." 
He bowed and retired amidst immense applause. 

Lieutenant-General Grant. 

On the fourth of February, 1864, Congress revived 
the grade of Lieutenant-General and that rank was 
conferred on Ulysses S. Grant. 

His return to Washington on the third of March 
was the signal of national honors to be poured out 
upon him. He received his credentials and at once 
entered upon the responsibilities of his new office. 

On his unobtrusive entrance a soldier recognized 
him as he took his seat unannounced. Instantly the 
whole company arose and amid tumultuous applause 
welcomed this hero of many battles to their company. 

In the evening he attended President Lincoln's levee, 
and was the honored guest of the greatest of Amer- 
icans, who cheered as lustily as any man. But Grant 
had no taste for such ovations. After he had bidden 
the President adieu for the night, he remarked to a 
friend : 

"I hope to get away from Washington as soon as 
possible; for I am tired of the show business already." 

Grant never wasted time. The country was still at 
war; the cries of the widows and orphans appealed 
ever to his heart. 

The good, patriotic and noble women of Washing- 
ton, in order to show their admiration of their coun- 
try's hero, proposed a ball. This coming to the ears 
of the General, who could deliberate with caution, act 
with decision, and yield with graciousness, or disap- 



42 ULYSSES SIMPSON GRANT 

prove with firmness, replied kindly, and in words most 
tender : 

"Ladies, I am not a cynic. I enjoy rational pleas- 
ures as well as any one else. But I would ask you, in 
all candor and gentleness, if this is a time for music 
and dancing and feasting among the officers of the 
army? Is our country in a condition to call for such 
things at present? Do army balls inspire our troops 
with courage in the field? Do they soothe our sick 
and wounded in the hospitals?" 

This reply was received by the ladies in the same 
spirit in which it was written, and only served to en- 
dear him to every soldier and every soldier's friend. 

General Grant's ardent desire was to put a stop to 
hostilities ; accordingly, he bent all his energies toward 
the destruction of the enemy's strongholds. 

He decided to make an attack on the nominal capi- 
tal of the Confederacy at Richmond. This necessi- 
tated a calling together of the widely-dispersed Union 
forces. The entire Republic seemed to groan beneath 
the trend of the assembling armies. Railroads were 
kept busy night and day transferring the boys in blue ; 
"On to Richmond!" being their cry. 

General Sigel, with his command, was to protect 
the way toward Washington, D. C. 

White and colored troops, under command of Gen- 
eral Butler, were to ascend the James River, and take 
position as near as possible to Richmond on the south- 
east. 

To General Sherman was committed one of the most 
important of commissions. General Grant fully com- 
prehended the abilities of Sherman, and to him fell the 
honor of fighting his way through the length and 



ULYSSES SIMPSON GRANT 43 

breadth of Georgia to Savannah; burning bridges, de- 
stroying forces wherever he should cross them, and 
capturing everything that could in any way contribute 
to the support of his soldiers. Having taken Sa- 
vannah, he was to turn north, capture Charleston, Co- 
lumbia and every other military garrison belonging to 
the rebels, and press on his way to Richmond. 

It was a bold and magnificent campaign, and the 
execution of it has commended its leader to the high, 
est estimation of the world at large, for among the 
noble merit always begets emulation. Every detail 
was most hazardous, but eminently practicable, and 
proved conclusively the need of prompt measures. 

The Army of the Potomac of about one hundred 
thousand men, under command of General Meade, was 
encamped among the hills north of the Rapidan River. 
General Grant established his headquarters at this 
point. His strength was increasing hourly, and soon 
he would be ready to attack General Lee, entrenched 
upon the south side of the river, and compel him to 
retreat behind the entrenchments at Richmond; the 
city would then be taken by storm or by siege. 

At midnight of the third of May, 1864, General 
Grant broke camp and with the whole army crossed 
the Rapidan, without opposition, only a few miles 
below the rebel stations. This region is one of the 
most beautiful, with its wild forests, and paths lead- 
ing through the wilderness where the winds whisper 
and the leaves are glad. The air was filled with the 
shouts of the joyous men, the blossoming hillsides 
illuminated with ruddy camp-fires. 

But many a glorious day has held in its embrace the 
shadow of an awful tempest. General Lee, of the 



44 ULYSSES SIMPSON GRANT 

Confederates, was an officer of marked ability. His 
forces were massed into two columns. Emerging 
suddenly from the forest, he hoped to demoralize the 
Union forces and cut the army in two, and make havoc 
on each section. 

The first assault was followed in quick succession 
by another, and a long, terrible battle lasting all day, 
resulted at night in the destruction of six thousand 
men on both sides. The night was made hideous by 
the moans and groans of the wounded ; while the dead 
were buried by the light of "the lantern dimly burn- 
ing. " 

The king of day rejoicing in the east shone upon 
another day of terror and blood. 

At the close of the second day at least ten thousand 
Union troops slept the sleep of the brave. And still 
Lee had failed to effect a victory. 

And yet again night closed over another terrible 
scene of slaughter. 

On the third day's Battle of the Wilderness oc- 
curred one of those unlooked-for events that have 
marked the success of the Union army. Many fierce 
encounters took place while both armies were am- 
bushed by the deep forest. During the night of Sat- 
urday the rebels gained the entrenchments. Sunday 
morning Grant fell upon their works. This long day 
of battle and blood was followed by General Grant 
opening fire upon their batteries, with terrible loss of 
life. Men slept on their feet and wearied arms fell 
nerveless at their sides. 

On the tenth of May both armies were soon alert 
after a night of sweet sleep and peaceful rest. 

Day after day saw both armies in battle array, and 



ULYSSES SIMPSON GRANT 45 

the soft shades of night only served as a cover for the 
dead and dying. To and fro they meandered; still 
Grant pressed steadily forward, never losing a foot of 
ground he had gained. Oh, the misery in the homes 
bereft of fathers, brothers and sons ! 

How horrible is war. "Who is to blame? Can it be 
those who bore the "stars and bars" and gave their 
lives for the perpetuation of that Republic blessed of 
heaven; or is it those dissatisfied with the govern- 
ment made by the people, for the people; and would 
they have formed a new government whose corner- 
stone was slavery? 

Grant, ever the friend of the soldier, kept changing 
his base of supplies, so as to prevent the rebels from 
cutting off his supply-trains. 

Both armies were now nearly exhausted. Much anx- 
iety was manifested by the public in fear lest the 
rebels should turn back in all their strength and cap- 
ture the Capital. 

A stranger in the General's tent asked the reticent 
General : 

"General, if you flank Lee, and get between him and 
Richmond, will you not uncover Washington?" 

"Yes. I reckon so," was the General's quiet reply. 

"Do you not think, General," persisted the stranger, 
"that Lee can detach sufficient force to reinforce 
Beauregard at Richmond and overwhelm Butler?" 

"I have no doubt of it," Grant replied. 

"And is there not danger," added the stranger, 
"that Johnston may come up and reinforce Lee, so 
that the latter will swing round and cut off your com- 
munication, and seize your supplies?" 

"Very likely," was the unconcerned response. 



46 ULYSSES SIMPSON GEANT 

General Grant had considered all these possibilities, 
and had acted accordingly. The rebels had made an 
assault upon his supply wagons, which were then 
making their way from Fredericksburg. Twenty-four 
hundred men were killed in this encounter. General 
Lee was tremendously alarmed, for was not Grant in 
a fair way to seize the entrenchments around Rich- 
mond, capture the city and make total destruction of 
the army? He made haste to abandon his strong 
posts, taking another line of defense on the banks of 
the North Anna River. 

All through these beautiful hills and dangerous ra- 
vines the armies pressed each other. General Grant's 
vast host traversed the wood-paths, making a con- 
tinuous line of one hundred miles resplendent with 
its artillery, infantry and baggage trains. One leader 
held supreme command, whose every desire was crys- 
tallized into vigorous action. 

On Monday morning General Grant and his mag- 
nificent army were within forty miles of the Southern 
Capital. Tuesday found them within one day's march 
of Richmond. His line was facing west. General 
Lee's forces on a parallel line were facing east. 

Spies brought information that caused Grant to re- 
consider his mode of attack. Thought he: "Yielding 
is sometimes the best way of succeeding." He re- 
crossed the river and seized Hanover Ferry. His sup- 
plies were brought by transports up the Pamunkey. 
Richmond was now only fifteen miles away. The sol- 
diers had implicit confidence in their leader; not ap- 
prehensive of defeat, they thought "prudence guides 
our chief." No friction occurred. His words were 
few, but well chosen. 



ULYSSES SIMPSON GRANT 47 

After waiting at Hanover Ferry for a short time, 
they forced their way until on Wednesday morning, 
June 1, they found themselves only a few miles from 
Richmond. Lee's movements were ever on the ag- 
gressive, and all the works were manned with death- 
dealing guns in the hands of those reared with the 
highest attainments of military skill. They were firmly 
entrenched, and dreamed they could not be driven 
from their works. As early as four o'clock on Friday 
morning the conflict began, and for a week, volley 
after volley of grape and canister were poured into 
the advancing ranks. Through dark nights, over 
ground covered with the wounded and slain, the 
rebels turned and fled. 

At midnight they assaulted General Burnside's 
troops, only to be repulsed by that hero of Knox- 
ville. 

General Grant's movement had caused no little ad- 
verse criticism, but he knew the truth of the old say- 
ing: "When men speak ill of you, live so that no 
one will believe them." At last the mystery was 
revealed. Orders were issued for a change of base 
from Chickahominy to the James River. To hear, was 
to obey, and ere another sun was set, pontoon 
bridges carried the army to a strong position south 
of Richmond, in the rear of the Confederate army. 

June 15, General Grant crossed the James River 
without the loss of a wagon or a gun and joined 
General Butler at Bermuda Hundred, crossed the Ap- 
pomattox, and from the southern bank began a fierce 
attack on Petersburg. General Lee was completely 
appalled on hearing the sudden thunder of Grant's 
artillery several miles south of him. 



48 ULYSSES SIMPSON GRANT 

With the speed of the wind, he manned his works 
with thousands of negro hands whom he had been 
compelled to use for the defence of Petersburgh. No 
battle on the pages of history has presented a more 
picturesque scene. Over a space of forty miles in 
length and fifteen in width, were three hundred thou- 
sand men, with banners flying, drums beating, plumes 
waving in the breeze, swords flashing in the sunlight. 
But these all sink into insignificance in comparison with 
the horrors entailed on the execution of such maneu- 
vers. Over all spreads the pall of smoke from the 
musketry, the roar of the cannon, the clangor of 
battle, columns sweeping to and fro in one vast pande- 
monium as the mortar's hurtled shot pierced the air. 
Two thousand Union soldiers were sent to their death, 
or mortally wounded. The rebel loss is unknown. 

Those remaining contested every foot of ground. 
Step by step Grant advanced until, as the twilight 
shadows fell, several shells were thrown into the 
streets of Petersburgh. 

In the three days' battle around the ramparts of 
Petersburgh, the loss was terrible. Petersburgh was 
heavily intrenched. It was about twenty-five miles 
south of Richmond. 

The fight continued. Every day saw a battle, and 
had Lee's cause been a just one, surely God had 
smiled upon him and given him victory. But, not- 
withstanding, the rebels' military skill and tactics, 
they fought brother to brother in a cause that should 
lack assistance. 

Grant, ever mindful of the "future in the distance,' ' 
and the "good that he could do," pressed on through 
many weary days, weeks and months, with nothing in 



ULYSSES SIMPSON GEANT 49 

store but forcing his way by dint of arms to the ac- 
complishment of his purpose, namely, the demolition 
of their stronghold at Richmond. And if the Union 
was to be preserved it must pass through its blood- 
bought sacrifice to accomplish the perpetuation of 
that land, born in the hearts and burnt into the con- 
sciences of the heroes of the Revolution. 

The early September days brought cheery news of 
the capture of Atlanta by General Sherman, and that 
he was marching through Georgia and the Carolinas, 
in the hope of co-operating with the army before the 
ramparts of Richmond. This pleased General Grant, 
and in his official report he wrote : 

"From an early period of the Rebellion, I had been 
impressed with the idea that active and continuous 
operations of all the troops that could be brought into 
the field, regardless of season and weather, were nec- 
essary to a speedy termination of the war. 

"From the first, I was firm in the conviction that 
no peace could be had that would be stable, and con- 
ducive to the happiness of the people, both North and 
South, until the military power of the Rebellion was 
entirely broken. 

"I, therefore, determined, first, to use the great- 
est number of troops practicable against the armed 
force of the enemy, preventing him from using the 
same force at different seasons, against first one, and 
then another, of our armies, and from the possibility 
of repose for refitting and producing necessary sup- 
plies for carrying on the resistance ; second, to ham- 
mer continually against the armed force of the enemy, 
and his resources, until by mere attrition, if in no 
other way, there should be nothing left to him but an 
equal submission with the loyal section of our common 
country to the Constitution and laws of the land." 



50 ULYSSES SIMPSON GEANT 

"Unconditional Surrender Grant." 

Ever advancing, General Grant continued the bom- 
bardments, seldom losing any position he once had 
gained. 

After a march of twenty-four days General Sher- 
man had captured thirteen hundred and thirty-eight 
rebels, had taken thirteen thousand head of beef 
cattle, many millions of pounds of corn, and ten mil- 
lion pounds of fodder. 

Supplies were taken for the hungry Union men 
from the well cultivated farms. Thousands of horses 
and mules were pressed into their service, similar to 
the manner of gathering in the contrabands. 

In the fall of 1862, orders were received to impress 
all able-bodied male negroes into service on the forti- 
fications of Nashville. The slave-holders hastily began 
to secrete their slaves. Leave the Yankee alone and 
he will extricate himself from any difficulty. One beau- 
tiful Sabbath day a large concourse of negroes in gala 
dress met at the Meeting House. The rolling waters of 
the Cumberland re-echoed the dulcet notes of "Swing 
Low, Sweet Chariot," and "Moses." The prayer in 
all its unction had just been concluded, when lo ! and 
behold! an apparition in the doorway; yes, several 
"boys in blue," with glistening bayonets entered with 
military tread and announced that the services would 
be concluded at Fort Negley. 

Hideous yells rent the air, and pandemonium 
reigned supreme. But all to no effect; the order must 
be obeyed. It was a pitiable sight to see the 
"dandies" in begrimed finery working away on the 
earthworks. However, they cut the stone, laid the 



ULYSSES SIMPSON GRANT 51 

stone wall, wheeled and carted the earth, blasted the 
rock with cheer and zeal, and it is due to them to say 
this was all done without pay, except their daily ra- 
tions and their suits of blue. 

Mile after mile of railway was destroyed, ties 
burned, rails twisted, and depots laid in ashes. 

Grant sent Sheridan with an army to lay waste the 
Shenandoah Valley. The order read: "It is desirable 
that nothing should be left to permit the enemy to 
return. ' ' 

Said an old soldier: "We heard cheer after cheer, 
'Were reinforcements coming?' 'Yes. Phil Sheri- 
day was coming and he was a host.' " Dashing down 
the line General Sheridan shouted: 

"What troops are these?" 

A hundred voices made reply: "The Sixth Corps." 

"We are all right," said Sheridan, as he swung his 
battered hat and dashed along the line to the right. 
"Never mind, boys, we'll whip them yet." 

And they did. 

He had accomplished his end, in that the rebel army 
of the southwest was effectually cut off by this bar- 
rier of desolation from communication with Lee in 
Richmond. 

It was the twenty-ninth of March, 1865, when the 
union of General Sheridan's cavalry and General Scho- 
field's divisions met Sherman at Goldsborough. They 
then repaired to General Grant's headquarters. 

The great fear now was that Lee, with his army, 
would escape and join General Johnston, with his army 
of fifty thousand. Had this union been possible, they 
might have fallen suddenly upon Sherman's troops 
and annihilated them. Sleep never came to the eyes of 



52 ULYSSES SIMPSON GRANT 

General Grant. Ever on the alert, he determine! to 
assail Lee should such a contingency occur. 

At last, on Friday, the last day of March there were 
movements indicative of a forward march. At Gen- 
eral Grant's command the national army hurled itself 
against Lee's troops. A most determined battle raged 
for three days. On April 4, the joyful tidings ran 
along the lines and throughout the length and breadth 
of the Union: 

"Richmond and Petersburgh are ours. A third part 
of Lee's army is destroyed. For the remainder there 
is no escape." 

The Confederates fled in wild confusion. 

General Grant had placed the Fifth Army Corps 
in front of the foe, and thus effectually cut off the 
retreat. Ever mindful of those poor misguided men 
who had been forced into the rebel army, General 
Grant urged upon Lee the necessity of sparing these 
conscripted men. 

"What terms of surrender would be accepted?" was 
asked. 

General Grant replied: "Peace being my first de- 
sire, there is but one condition I insist upon; namely, 
that the men surrendered shall be disqualified for 
taking up arms against the Government of the United 
States until properly exchanged." 

General Lee, assuming an ability to carry on the 
war, proposed that he and General Grant hold an in- 
terview to talk over the matter of the "restoration of 
peace." 

Ever prompt to act when the good of the Nation 
was at stake, Grant answered on the ninth of April, 
by sending the following dispatch to Lee: 



ULYSSES SIMPSON GEANT 53 

"The result of the last week must convince you 
of the hopelessness of further resistance on the part 
of the Army of Northern Virginia in this struggle. 
I feel that it is so, and regard it as my duty to shift 
from myself the responsibility of any further effusion 
of blood, by asking of you the surrender of that por- 
tion of the Confederate Army known as the Army of 
Northern Virginia. 

"I have no authority to treat on the subject of 
peace ; the meeting proposed could lead to no good. 

"I will state, however, General, that I am equally 
anxious for peace with yourself; and the whole North 
entertains the same feeling. 

"The terms upon which peace may be had are well 
understood. By the South laying down their arms, 
they will hasten that most desirable event, save thou- 
sands of lives, and hundreds of millions of property 
not yet destroyed." 

"Sincerely hoping that all our difficulties may be 
settled without the loss of another life, I subscribe my- 
self Very respectfully 

Your humble servant, 

U. S. Grant." 

General Lee saw clearly from this that General 
Grant meant that no time must be lost in parleying. 
An interview to arrange for a surrender was soon 
brought about. General Grant's terms were very sim- 
ple and decisive: 

"All rebel officers were to give their parole not to 
serve against the United States until exchanged; they 
could retain their side arms, horses and baggage. All 
the appurtenances of war were to be given up." 

On April 9, at three o'clock in the afternoon these 
terms were signed. But with Appomattox, the glad 
day came at last when this mistake was irrevocably 
corrected. Then the adversaries and the abolitionists, 



54 ULYSSES SIMPSON GRANT 

after many years of hard struggle for the dear-bought 
victory, sent forth glad tidings. The first to hear the 
news of the surrender were the rebels. It was their 
welcome deliverance from bondage and slaughter. 
Cheer after cheer rent the air. The echoes reached 
the ears of the national army, and heartfelt hurrahs 
shook the heavens, and over the embattled hills and 
plains the cries of "Liberty!" The men fell on each, 
others' necks and blue and gray met once again on. 
common ground. One country, one flag, one Constitu- 
tion. 

Johnston's condition was indeed hopeless. All the 
scattered rebel forces now surrendered to the number 
of 174,233. The whilom President, Jefferson Davis, en- 
deavored to escape to a southern seaport, and from 
thence take ship to some foreign land. On May 10 he 
was captured at Irvinsville, Georgia. That ended one 
of the most dearly bought victories the world has 
ever known. 

The four-year war of the Rebellion had ended. The 
Union was saved. The great Union army of citizen- 
soldiers, numbering one million men, was called home 
from the field and disbanded. Before this separation, 
however, the President and members of Congress, to- 
gether with a large concourse of people from all the 
loyal states, assembled in Philadelphia, on Pennsyl- 
vania Avenue, while a column of blue-coats of thirty 
miles in length passed in review with their Generals 
Grant and Sherman. 

Not a rebel was molested. Their President, Jeffer- 
son Davis, although confined in Fortress Monroe for 
two years, was never brought to trial. He died in 
New Orleans, 1889. 



ULYSSES SIMPSON GEAXT 55 

Ulysses S. Grant was declared by the Nation to be 
the most prominent instrument in its salvation. 

His Nomination for President. 

What man more fitting than he to represent the 
people and take from them the highest honors the 
Nation could bestow? 

"On the 21st of May, 1868, the Republican Conven- 
tion of six hundred and fifty delegates, assembled at 
Chicago, adopted a series of resolutions. 

"The essential points of this platform were, that 
equal civil and political rights should be secured to 
all; that Congress should guarantee equal suffrage to 
all loyal men at the South ; and that all forms of repu- 
diation were to be denounced as a national crime." 

After several most important resolutions were added 
to their platform, Ulysses S. Grant was nominated to 
the Convention, as the candidate of the Republican 
Party for the chief magistracy ; and the following an- 
nouncement followed the voting : 

"Gentlemen of the Convention, you have six hun- 
dred and fifty votes, and you have given six hundred 
and fifty votes for General Ulysses S. Grant!" 

The Convention became a scene which beggars all 
description. The vast Opera House was a sea of hila- 
rious confusion. American flags waved in every direc- 
tion, soldiers unused to assemblies gave vent to their 
enthusiasm in shouts and hurrahs. 

As soon as quiet was restored, the Honorable Schuy- 
ler Colfax, of Indiana, was nominated for the Vice- 
Presidency. After a few ballotings he was unani- 
mously elected. 

Thus General Ulysses S. Grant and Honorable 



56 ULYSSES SIMPSON GEANT 

Schuyler Colfax were submitted to the suffrages of the 
people of the United States. General Grant, after ac- 
cepting the nomination and heartily approving the 
platform, said: 

''If elected to the office of President of the United 
States, it will be my endeavor to administer all the 
laws in good faith, with economy and with the view 
of giving peace, quiet and protection everywhere. In 
times like the present it is impossible, or at least emi- 
nently improper, to lay down a policy to adhere to, 
right or wrong, through an administration of four 
years. New political issues, not foreseen, are con- 
stantly arising; the views of the public on old ones 
are constantly changing; and a purely administrative 
officer should always be left free to execute the will 
of the people. I always have respected that will, and 
always shall. Peace and universal prosperity, its 
sequence, with economy of administration, will lighten 
the burden of taxation, while it constantly reduces the 
national debt. Let us have peace!" 

The presidential election was hotly contested. 
The Democratic candidate was Governor Horatio Sey- 
mour, of New York. 5,922,984 votes were cast. Of 
these Grant received 3,016,353; Seymour, 2,906,631, 
Grant's majority being 109,722. In accordance with 
the provisions of the Constitution Ulysses S. Grant 
was elected President of the United States by a ma- 
jority of 134 electoral votes, every state being repre- 
sented. 

On the fourth of March, 1869, General Grant took 
the oath of office at "Washington, amid the wildest en- 
thusiasm from representatives from all the states, and 
delegates from the territories. 



ULYSSES SIMPSON GEANT 5? 

It was a united country that had been filled with 
great epochs. The deeds of thought planted by Abra- 
ham Lincoln, Horace Greeley and Charles Sumner had 
now borne fruit for the healing of the Nation. "A 
man forewarned is forearmed." Grant knew that dis- 
cussion had been deep and bitter for years. It was 
just after the close of one of the most terrible civil 
wars which ever cursed a country. No President of 
the United States had ever encountered such odds. 
The Southern States had not then been reconstructed, 
but on the contrary, had been obliged to accept equal 
rights to all men, and prepare themselves to see the 
"motif" of the policy that would elevate to the dig- 
nity of citizens those millions of illiterate slaves, en- 
tirely unaccustomed to self mastery. 

These were political problems that only time and 
patience could solve, and the solution was attended 
with great difficulty, President Grant well knowing 
that to conserve the interests of the whole country 
he must so act that all sections of the country should 
be embraced in his patriotism; he acted in accordance 
with his best judgment for the good of all. 

Renomination to Presidency. 

The voice of the people again spoke in tho National 
Convention of the Republican Party, in Philadelphia, 
June 5, 1872, when General Grant was nominated for 
a second term by a unanimous vote. In the following 
November this nomination was ratified by the people, 
292 electoral votes being cast for his re-election, the 
greatest number ever given to any presidential candi- 
date. His great work in the war of the Rebellion was 
growing greater each year. His simplicity of life, 



58 ULYSSES SIMPSON GEANT 

honesty in public affairs, his common sense in the con- 
duct of the will of the people, had made them forget 
the frailties of his past life. 

Had not this Wellington in America shown to the 
world that a man reared as a soldier could not by any 
possible means be other than a commonplace man, 
and yet the people desired for him an unsullied and 
immortal reputation? 

The country abounded in her wealth of great 
civilians. The Congressional plan of reconstruction in 
the Southern States prevailed, and the President was 
in full accord. The elevation of the negro to the 
rights of franchise was regarded with apprehension. 
It was during this second nomination that the 
eminent philanthropist, Horace Greeley, the distin- 
guished editor of the "New York Tribune," received 
the nomination for the Presidency, through the com- 
bined efforts of the Liberal Republican and Demo- 
cratic Parties. He had been a lecturer of vehement 
energy and enthusiasm ; had molded public opinion 
on almost every question in which the people had any 
interest. It was a great honor for a man at the ad- 
vanced age of sixty-one to stand in the forefront of 
a political campaign. Bitter denunciations and the 
wildest excitement prevailed over the land. But his 
defeat was overwhelmingly disastrous. 

He died in less than thirty days after the election. 

Modoc Indians. 

In the spring of 1872 the Modoc Indians had re- 
ceived orders from Superintendent Odeneal to remove 
from the southern shore of Lake Klamath, Oregon, to 
a new reservation. Smarting under the stings of mis- 



ULYSSES SIMPSON GRANT 59 

He made his way to the Empire City, destitute and 
treatment of former agents, they refused to go. The 
President sent a force of troops to compel them to 
vacate. This they again resisted, keeping up the strug- 
gle during the winter, but finally established them- 
selves in the lava beds, an inaccessible volcanic region. 
They were surrounded, but not subdued. 

President Grant, like the immortal Lincoln, had 
only kindness in his heart, and on the eleventh of 
April, 1873, ordered a peace commission between their 
chief and six members representing the Government. 
"If prudence guides the wise, then passion governs the 
foolish." In the midst of this council the rapacious 
and treacherous savages assaulted the Commissioner 
next them, and murdered General Canby and Dr. 
Thomas in cold blood. Other members of the Commis- 
sion were shot and mangled, and barely escaped with 
their lives. 

It was well into the summer before General Davis 
with his force of regulars could compel Captain Jack 
and his villainous band to surrender. In the following 
October, the Chief being tried by court martial, they 
were executed. 

State's Rights. 

Again the spirit of state's rights showed its hydra- 
head. In 1873, this difficulty arose openly in Louis- 
iana. The peace of the country was again threatened. 
Two sets of presidential electors had been chosen by 
their double election boards. Accordingly, two Gov- 
ernors, Wm. P. Kellogg and John McEnery, were 
elected. These results produced a condition bordering 
on anarchy. 

The dispute was referred to the Government at 



50 ULYSSES SIMPSON GEANT 

Washington. President Grant decided in favor of 
Governor Kellogg, and his principles. 

McEnery's party was disbanded only to reassemble 
on September, 1874, with D. B. Penn, a Lieutenant to 
McEnery, at the head. These malcontents took forci- 
ble possession of the State-house. Governor Kellogg 
took refuge in the custom-house, and made an earnest 
appeal to the President for help. Immediately Presi- 
dent Grant ordered the Penn party to disband, and 
sent a body of the national troops to New Orleans to 
put the order into execution. 

The proclamation was tacitly complied with, but 
at the assembling of the state legislature in December, 
the grievance took on more serious proportions, and 
was not settled until the soldiery was again called in 
requisition. 

"The Credit Mobilier Investigation." 

Once again the quiet of the country was threat- 
ened. This agitation is better known as "The Credit 
Mobilier Investigation." In 1863 a joint stock com- 
pany was organized for the ostensible purpose of as- 
sisting in any easy way the construction of public 
works. This capital was soon increased to three mil- 
lion seven hundred and fifty dollars by the purchase 
of the Credit Mobilier Charter by the Pacific Railroad. 
The stock rose rapidly in value, and the stockholders 
reaped enormous profits. 

In 1872 a damaging lawsuit revealed the startling 
fact that the greater portion of the Credit Mobilier 
was owned by the members of Congress. Consterna- 
tion and suspicion became rife that perhaps members 
had voted corruptly concerning the purchase. This 



ULYSSES SIMPSON GEANT 61 

led to a Congressional investigation, exposing many- 
scandalous transactions, and shattering the faith of 
the people in the integrity of those concerned in the 
transaction. 

One of the direct results of this "get-rich-quick" 
scheme was the panic that spread broadcast after the 
failure of the great banking concern of Jay Cooke & 
Company, of Philadelphia. 

In the fall of 1873 the financial alarm caused depos- 
itors to withdraw their money and securities from the 
banks. Business was at a standstill, and it was 
months before confidence could be restored. 

A wild spirit of speculation caused by the fluctua- 
tion of the volume and value of the national currency 
undermined the foundations of trade, and destroyed 
the business confidence, then ended in disaster. A 
check was given to the Northern Pacific Railroad. A 
company had been incorporated as early as 1864 to 
construct a railway from Lake Superior to Puget 
Sound, also a branch road two hundred miles in length 
from the valley of the Columbia River to Portland, 
Oregon. In 1870 the work began at Duluth, Minne- 
sota. Jay Cooke's banking-house made heavy loans 
to the Railroad Company, but the outburst of the 
"Credit Mobilier" crookedness produced failure and 
the panic. 

On March 4, 1875, the territory of Colorado was 
admitted as a state. "The Centennial State" took her 
place the following August. 

The Centennial. 

The one hundredth birthday of American Independ- 
ence was near at hand. It was eminently fitting that 



62 " ULYSSES SIMPSON GEANT 

the people express to the world their appreciation of 
the blessings vouchsafed to them. As early as 1866, 
at the suggestion of Professor John L. Campbell, of 
"Wabash College, a proposition was laid before the 
country, which had for its aim a magnificent cele- 
bration of this great national anniversary. 

Through the influence of the Honorable Morton Mc- 
Michael, of Philadelphia, Senator Henry S. Lane, of 
Indiana, M. B. Muckle, of Pennsylvania, and the ad- 
vice of General Chas. B. Morton, Commissioner at the 
Exposition Internationale, of 1867, it was decided that 
Philadelphia (the City of Brotherly Love), that one 
hallowed by thousands of Revolutionary memories, 
full of relics, the home of William Penn, the resting 
place of the Liberty Bell, be selected, and the nine- 
teenth of April to the nineteenth of October, the time 
allotted to this exhibition of the Arts and Industries 
of a people whose ingenuity was world-wide. 

Notwithstanding the lukewarmness and opposition, 
it was an immense success. President Grant extended 
a cordial invitation to all civilized nations in the world 
to participate with us in this "International Exhibi- 
tion of Art, Manufactured Products of the Soil and 
Mine, to be held in the city of Philadelphia, in 1876, 
in honor of the one hundredth anniversary of Ameri- 
can Independence." 

In response to this invitation forty countries sent 
hearty acceptances, and made speedy arrangements 
for space in which to display their best products. 

A description of the buildings and their contents 
may be read in other places. Suffice it to say that the 
daily attendance varied from five million to two hun- 
dred and seventy-five million. The turnstiles regis- 



ULYSSES SIMPSON GKANT 63 

tered a total of 9,786,150. The grounds were open one 
hundred and fifty-eight days. The total receipts for 
admission were $3,761,589. 

On the tenth of November, after the orations, the 
President, in company with Honorable Daniel J. Mor- 
rell, of Pennsylvania, and the Honorable John Welch, 
President of the Board of Finance, also, Major Goshorn 
and General Hawley, arose and said: 

"I Declare the International Exhibition Closed." 

President Grant closed his public service March 4, 
1877. The Nation loved him. During his sixteen 
years of continuous work he had won seventeen bat- 
tles; captured over one hundred thousand prisoners; 
taken five hundred pieces of artillery. He had taken 
more prisoners and more firearms than ever George 
Washington or Winfield Scott commanded on any 
battlefield. He had the power to retain every officer 
and man at his post ; to make it possible to force four 
million of slaves and at the same time to make a mil- 
lion widows, suffering mothers, and desolate homes. 
It was the dearest way for the Government to rid 
itself of a curse. Abraham Lincoln, as Commander in 
chief of the army of the United States, freed the slaves 
by virtue of that power invested in him by the people, 
"and as a necessary war measure." 

Six days after the surrender of Lee, President Lin- 
coln was assaulted by a jealous miscreant. It had 
been the intention of the plotters to take the life of 
General Grant at the same time, but the seriousness 
of the country's condition compelled him to decline 
the invitations to see "The Country Cousins" at 



64 ULYSSES SIMPSON GRANT 

Ford's Theater, and he hastened from the city of 
Washington. 

These struggling years had made a man of him, 
given him ardent friends, self-confidence, and wealth 
and public adulation, and the highest honor of the 
Republic. His study of men had made him self-re- 
specting, more self-sacrificing and compelled him even 
against his will to see that every man must make a 
place for himself in this world and work out the di- 
vine plan laid out for him. 

Now the time had come when he could rest from 
his public labors and see that world whose activities 
he had studied in the Exposition, and renew the pleas- 
ant acquaintanceship made. Accordingly, accom- 
panied by his wife and sons, and a party of congenial 
friends, he left Philadelphia on the seventeenth of 
May, the same year. After a ride down the Delaware 
River of thirty-five miles, they boarded the good ship 
"Indiana," which was about to sail on her memorable 
voyage. 

The trip across the briny deep was uneventful in 
that no severe storm rent the vessel. They sailed di- 
rectly for England, and were received as Lord Beacons- 
field had planned Grant should be, "the sovereign;" 
this silent man, not only the originator of his own 
plans, but the executor of the same ; the man who had 
been assailed by turns, but whose indomitable spirit 
could never be crushed. It was the same reposeful 
man that England feted and feasted, and publicly hon- 
ored. He was admired by the humblest citizen for his 
bravery, and by Queen Victoria for his great general- 
ship. England delights to honor great generals, and 
is generous in her praise when she finds one. True, 



ULYSSES SIMPSON GRANT 65 

her conduct during the Civil "War had not met with 
favor in the eyes of Grant, and it may be she was 
availing herself of an opportunity to show her mag- 
nanimity in treating our greatest of Generals as he 
richly deserved. 

Across the English Channel to Belgium, thence to 
the land of the Teuton, through lower Germany, and 
amid the vine-clad hills and valleys to the ever mem- 
orable Alps, of Switzerland, that land of cheese and 
milk. The mountain air, the invigorating tramps, the 
ever-enticing rides on the Dampschiff's on the Rhine, 
all were redolent with admiration and replete with en- 
thusiasm, wherever and whenever it was made known 
that the "General," as he was everywhere called, was 
near. 

Retracing their steps hastily, a delightful journey 
through the bonny brakes of Scotland made welcome 
America's "Brave." Through France, thence to 
Spain the party made its victorious way through the 
Straits of Gibraltar. 

The "Indiana" sped along under the sun-lit skies 
and over the opaline sea of the Mediterranean to the 
land of the dreamer and the musician, Italy, with its 
now cosmopolitan people, received him with glad sur- 
prise and strove to do him honor. In the Isles of 
Greece where Sappho had sung and Demosthenes had 
proclaimed freedom of thought, now slept but the 
spirit of liberty of thought lived on, and was crystal- 
lized in this man of action. 

Across the Aegean Sea they took their way, to the 
south land of Egypt, with its cashmere and camel's 
hair carpets spread upon the ground, with the pyra- 
mids and Sphinx of history looming up in the distance ; 



66 ULYSSES SIMPSON GEANT 

the Nile, with its varicolored boats in gala attire, com- 
mingled with the turbans and striped shawls, these 
again intertwined around the natives gave the royal 
coloring to scenes never to be forgotten by the Grant 
family. 

But dearest and best of all was the friendly hand- 
shaking of some of the General's G. A. R. friends then 
in the service of the Khedive of Egypt, as they cor- 
dially greeted their oldtime friend and fellow-com- 
rade. The Khedive and the people were profuse in 
their welcome. 

The most interesting city that claimed their admir- 
ation was that of Abydos. Here is the cradle of civi- 
lization; here the seeds of learning were planted that 
spread with the inundation of the river Nile, and sent 
its fragrance across the sea to the land of the free 
and the home of the brave. 

Following the river they visited the ruins of that 
city renowned in history, once containing three hun- 
dred thousand inhabitants, stretching eight miles 
along either side of the river — Thebes — in ruins! All 
the wilderness of ruins spread before them — the rise of 
other statues of Mammon, the temple of Medinet Habo, 
and the ever memorable avenue of the Sphinxes, and 
Karnac, reproduced in other cities only in more mod- 
ern and enduring manner that have their impetus in 
right living. 

From Alexandria they entered the Holy Land, but 
were not allowed a quiet entrance ; on the contrary, at 
his entrance at Jaffa Gate to Jerusalem he was met as 
in days of yore they heralded their kings; with an 
army with banners and flags flying, drums beating 
and a welcome such that time forbids the recital. 



ULYSSES SIMPSON GKANT 67 

From thence to the ancient and beautiful Palestine 
and Damascus, and Constantinople, where more pomp 
and splendor were displayed by the Sultan ; and thence 
by Greece and Italy again to enjoy the beauties and 
dazzling vagaries of the Paris exposition. 

The campaign was indeed a triumphal march, up to 
Holland, with her dykes and windmills, and bright red 
fields of poppies, and the people in their wooden shoes. 
King William and Bismarck made a fellow indeed of 
this man, Grant; he bore the honor from his native 
country of a manly man. On north, to the Scandi- 
navian Peninsula, kings and potentates made it im- 
possible for him to think any but the kindliest feel- 
ing existed for his beloved America. 

Across the Baltic and up the Riga to a most gra- 
cious reception from the Czar; everywhere tokens 
most costly bore testimony of the good will of the peo- 
ple. The Castilian hills reverberated with the sound 
of arms in salute to this General whose fame had pre- 
ceded him, even in Sunny Spain. 

On they sped toward the land of Cleopatra in a 
French ship, then embarked on a Red Sea steamer, 
which conveyed the party to the land of the pearl- 
diver, the wonder-land of the East — India, welcomed 
by the Rajah, in robes of gorgeous colors on a white 
elephant. The manners, customs, food and religious 
rites of Hindustan Siam, were most eagerly looked 
into ; they were amazed at the degradations of the 
women, and made note of in other days to come. The 
buildings were a source of never-ending admiration 
and wonder. 

Across the sea and then they were in picturesque 
Japan, then almost a closed door. Could the party 



68 ULYSSES SIMPSON GKANT 

have known that even at the writing of this the stars 
and bars could be seen floating on the islands, how 
happy General Grant would have been. Has Appo- 
mattox not been an open door for the Goddess of 
Liberty to step in and release the oppressed in every 
land? The cheerful blossoms never shone on the bay 
in more honorable presence, the little love-poems never 
hung upon the branches in more luxuriant profusion, 
than on the occasion of this visit. It was most de- 
lightful, quiet, fraternal and profoundly respectful in 
every particular. The stay here was prolonged, and 
the civic conditions in Japan much improved soon 
after its close. 

" Homeward bound!" was the cry on the "City of 
Tokio," and the mild salt sea spray of the Pacific 
lulled them to rest, and charmed them to health, as it 
sped on its way to San Francisco. 

The home-coming was no less enthusiastic than the 
ovations during the trip around the world. 

Grant's Friends. 

This meteor-like man had by his force of character 
sprung Lincoln-like upon the arena of American life 
at a time when men lacked a leader; he seized the op- 
portunity and strangely captivated the whole world. 
He made strong friends; for he was himself a strong 
true friend. Said he: "If you wish to recommend 
yourself to a great and good man, take care that he 
quits your society with a good opinion of you ; if your 
object is to please a vain man, take care that he leaves 
you with a good opinion of himself." 

His seeming friends held a large part of his confid- 
ing heart. He went into power with huzzahs and was 



ULYSSES SIMPSON GEANT (39 

swept on by the tidal wave of popular approval, but 
like the little leak that sinks the great ship, his admin- 
istration waned in popularity, and his party was much 
weakened by the influence of bad men. He left the 
Presidency to the opposite party now so vigorous that 
it made claim of the election of its candidate, Samuel 
J. Tilden. 

A General or a hero is not always a financial expert; 
so with Ulysses S. Grant. By an overpowering influ- 
ence a sharper, Ward by name, possessed himself of 
Grant's influential name and built up a bank on the 
supposition that his pretense would carry everything 
before it. But, alas, "he that shows his passion tells 
his enemy where to hit him." Soon his wealth was all 
gone, his wife's and children's means enveloped in the 
great disaster. The swindler was arrested and im- 
prisoned; leaving the victims at the mercy of a con- 
demning public. 

But not alone, "God tempers the wind to the shorn 
lamb," and good friends all over the country and the 
globe rallied to Grant's help, and, notwithstanding his 
human frailties, loved him yet, and greatly desired to 
express to him their undying affection in a substantial 
way. He did not murmur at his misfortunes; "if the 
ills can be cured it is ungrateful; if they can not be 
cured it is vain." 

As a Writer. 

General Grant had always been considered a silent 
man. His physique, his placid face would lend to this 
belief. His letters and official documents, while mas- 
terpieces of direct composition, yet in their terseness 



70 ULYSSES SIMPSON GEANT 

drew a marked example of point and power indicative 
of the man. 

He had not lost courage, though oft dispirited, and 
believing that promise, "God helps those who help 
themselves," to be true, he began a work that was to 
redeem his lost fortune and become the support of him- 
self and family in his declining years. Leading maga- 
zines grasped eagerly his articles on his great battles in 
connection with the series of personal letters on the 
same events by leading Confederate Generals. Soon 
the country was on the "qui vive" for these articles. 
The magazines were rapidly brought into great promi- 
nence, and the fame of these writings became national. 

Encouraged by this, and feeling success without af- 
fectation, he conceived the plan of preparing personal 
memoirs of his career. With courage borne of neces- 
sity, and having resolved to do right, he had God on 
his side. He prosecuted this task with patience and 
vigor. 

Only a Cigar. 

Every school-boy remembers the adage, "Grant and 
his cigar." What an important part that little com- 
bination of tobacco and nicotin played in the destruc- 
tion of this life is best known to the General himself. 

The ravages of that fell disease, cancer in the back 
part of his mouth, soon began its deadly work. "The 
excesses of our youth are drafts upon our old age, pay- 
able with interest about thirty years after date." To- 
gether the work of making the "Memoirs" and the 
cancer progressed. With his declining health the goad 
pressed him sorely, and now his literary enthusiasm 
increased daily. The whole nation watched with eager 



ULYSSES SIMPSON GEA.XT 71 

expectancy the results from his pen. Money began to 
pour in, and, had he not been afflicted, his whole time 
would have been devoted to its speedy accomplishment. 

But the pathetic scene was calling forth the su- 
premest love of the whole people. His heroism was 
divine. His courage was phenomenal. Waiting and 
bleeding hearts bore him up daily to the throne of 
grace. The Methodists throughout the land made daily 
prayer that he might be saved to the people long 
enough to leave his own record written by himself. 
The days dragged wearily on in that sweet temper 
which he developed as the hidden springs of his great 
life fed the written streams, which should live and flow 
long after his sufferings had ended. 

"Unprincipled men live knaves and die beggars," 
and "every fool can find faults that a wise man can noc 
mend." This man had the promise that the good that 
men do shall live after them. Unmurmuring, with con- 
fidence and fortitude greater than ever displayed in 
any of his great battles he fought out that great battle 
of his earthly life and won a more glorious victory 
than ever had fallen to his lot on the field of carnage. 

"The sword is mighty, but the pen is mightier," for, 
while the sword pierces the body and causes nations to 
bleed, yet, the pen pierces the heart and fills the na- 
tions of the earth with desires for magnanimity, love, 
faith and every noble soul-quality. Truly, it may be 
said: "He wore his life away." He kept steadily on, 
and only a few days before his death he laid down his 
pen and sent his manucripts to the press, to the people 
of his love and affection, a sacred memento to his wife 
and family. 



72 ULYSSES SIMPSON GKANT 

General Grant's Death. 

In the early summer time he had been taken to the 
balmy Mount McGregor, not far from the salubrity of 
Saratoga, a short ride from New York, where he had 
taken up his residence. His disease had spread alarm- 
ingly, resulting in an utter loss of voice ; his demise was 
looked for at any moment. But he lingered on until 
the scorching July suns burned up the vegetation and 
the hot winds swept up the valley. 

On the eve of the Fourth of July, 1885, he passed 
the sentinel of the pearly gates with victory perched 
on his forehead. 

At the reception of the awful news, the whole nation 
mourned and wondered. But, after the wail of sorrow 
and bereavement had passed, hymns of thanksgiving 
filled the hearts of the Christians over the whole earth 
for his relief from his suffering. Floral offerings, let- 
ters of condolence and marks of respect came from 
every country where he had journeyed ; and where 
they had received him with huzzahs and had seen him 
depart with plaudits, now they did him honor in death. 

And yet again we do him honor, not so much in the 
spoken word as in the written life. 

On the eighth of August his funeral services were 
held in New York, and were participated in by an im- 
mense concourse of people from home and abroad. 

His remains, with those of his wife, repose in River- 
side Park, in the national monument, whither all Amer- 
icans journey to pay a tribute of respect by their pres- 
sure at least. 

With the death of this "people's man" came a re- 
construction. His latter days had endeared him to the 
soldiers of both Nortli and South; to him there existed 




Frnm stereograph, copyright, 1899, by Underwood & Underwood. N. Y. 

TOMB OF GENERAL GRANT 



ULYSSES SIMPSON GRANT 73 

but one country undestructible. Adverse to war, he 
never fought a battle that could have been avoided. 
He was generous to his enemies, and when the victory 
was won he felt that it only served to cement the sur- 
viving forces into an undying union that in days to 
come they should stand shoulder to shoulder in de 
fense of the Star Spangled Banner when that great 
day should come, which history shows did come. 




RUTHERFORD B. HAYS 



CHRONOLOGY OF RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD 

HAYES, NINETEENTH PRESIDENT OF 

THE UNITED STATES. 

1822, Oct. 4, born in Delaware, Ohio. 

1842, graduated at Kenyon College. 

1852, married Lucy Ware Webb, Dec. 30, in Cincinnati. 

1861, enlisted in the Federal Army. 

1865, elected to Congress. 

1867, was elected Governor of Ohio. 

1869, re-elected Governor of Ohio. 

1875, again elected Governor of Ohio. 

1876, was nominated by the Republicans as candidate 

for President of the United States. At the 
election by the Electoral Commission Act he 
was declared elected by a majority of one 
vote over Samuel J. Tilden, candidate for the 
Democratic party. 
1893, Jan. 17, died at Fremont, Ohio, aged seventy- 
one years. 



75 



SALUTE THE FLAG. 

Salute the Flag — one, two and three 
For our glorious emblem of the free; 
"Whose graceful folds still shall fly- 
While twinkles a star in the spangled sky. 

Salute the Flag — with shout and cheer 
For home and parents held so dear; 
For joy and peace on our banner wait 
While justice is meted to small and great. 

Salute the Flag — at morn, at eve, 
While in patriot hearts the life-blood heave; 
While sons and daughters throughout the land 
Stand shoulder to shoulder; a united band. 

Salute the Flag — while the time shall last, 
For the gory victories of the living past; 
While the stars and bars for the Republic stand 
And for God, and home and native land. 



76 



"His public service extended over many years and over 
a wide range of official duty. He was a patriot, citizen, a 
lover of the flag, and of our free institutions; an industri- 
ous and conscientious civil officer, a soldier of dauntless 
courage, a loyal comrade and friend, a sympathetic neighbor, 
and the honored head of a happy home. He has steadily 
grown in the public esteem, and the impartial historian will 
not fail to recognize the conscientiousness, the manliness, and 
the courage that so strongly characterized his whole career." 

BENJAMIN HARRISON. 



RUTHERFORD BIRGHARD HAYES 

Born 1822, Oct. 4. Died 1893, Jan. 17. 

Ancestry. 

Rutherford Birchard Hayes was born in Delaware, 
Ohio, Oct. 4, 1822, less than three months after the 
death of his father. His ancestry on both father's and 
mother's side was of the most honorable character. 
As early as 1280 Hayes and Ruthford were two Scot- 
tish Chieftains, fighting side by side with Baliol, Wil- 
liam Wallace and Robert Bruce. Both families be- 
longed to the nobility, owned extensive estates and 
had a large following. The coat of arms of the Hayes 
family consisted of a shield, barred and surmounted 
by a flying eagle; about the eagle was a circle of 
stars ; while on a scroll underneath the shield was in- 
scribed the motto, "Recte." 

The Hayes family removed to America in 1680, 
settled first in Windsor, Connecticut, and subsequent- 
ly at Bradford, in the same State. 

Rutherford Hayes (father of the president) was 
born at Brattlesborough, Vermont. He married Sophia 
Birchard, of Wilmington, Vermont, a family in every 

77 



78 EUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES 

way equal in points of wealth and royal ancestry. He 
was an industrious, frugal and generous man, of an 
inventive and mechanical turn of mind. All the plows 
and agricultural implements of the neighborhood were 
brought to him to be repaired. It was not an uncom- 
mon sight to see him knitting stockings while con- 
versing pleasantly with his neighbors. 

His health was feeble and a situation was found for 
him as clerk in the country store, from which his fa- 
ther assisted him to open up business for himself in 
his native town. He was a Christian gentleman, active 
in all the progressive interests of the community. Soon 
his business became too large for the accommodations 
and it was a great surprise to his many friends when 
he decided to leave so prosperous an enterprise and 
journey from Vermont to the then wilderness of Ohio. 

No railways, nor steamers, nor canals lent a helping 
hand for this tour of a four months' inspection. 

On his return he announced to his family and neigh- 
bors that he had purchased a farm near the present 
town of Delaware, Ohio. 

Having disposed of his property, he and his wife, 
two children and an orphan girl, whom they had 
adopted, set out upon their Western journey in a com- 
modious covered wagon. All the household goods re- 
maining after the sale of the rest, along with the nec- 
essary food for the journey, was stored in boxes, used 
for seats. For forty days and nights they traveled 
through dense forests, forded deep streams, through 
beautiful valley-lands; often encountering fierce 
storms which threatened the destruction of their tent- 
ed conveyance. The annals of this perilous journey 
could furnish rich material for a stirring romance. 



RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES 79 

Mr. Hayes did not settle on his farm on the Olen- 
tangy River, but, on the contrary, purchased an inter- 
est in a distillery. His capital and character as a gen- 
tleman insured for him a position of honor and trust 
in the community. He was one of the most generous 
contributors for the erection of the Presbyterian 
Church; an ardent advocate of compulsory education, 
and a man whose advice was eagerly sought in all pub- 
lic affairs. 

He fell a victim of malaria and died July 22, 1822, 
less than three months previous to the birth of his sec- 
ond son, Rutherford Birchard Hayes. 

Boyhood. 

This lad was very weakly, indeed; his mother was 
assiduous in her attention day and night to keep life 
in the little body. As time wore on it became a daily 
inquiry: "Did Mrs. Hayes' baby die last night?" All 
the neighbors were solicitous concerning him, especial- 
ly when it was known that the only part fully devel- 
oped was his head. 

In a bantering manner one of the most intimate 
friends said to his mother: "That's right! Stick to 
him. You've got him along so far; I shouldn't won- 
der if he would really come to something yet." Little 
she knew how true her words were. 

Mrs. Hayes replied: "You need not laugh. You 
wait and see. You can't tell but I shall make him 
President of the United States yet." And it is well 
known how she kept her word. 

In 1825 his elder brother was drowned, and by this 
accident he became even more dear to his mother's 
heart. She said: "There is an ecstasy which a mother 



80 EUTHEEEOED BIRCHAED HAYES 

feels in her little ones that plays around my heart and 
brightens all my sorrows." God in his infinite mercy 
heard her prayer for strength and guidance, and, al- 
though her youngest born was only a feeble lad of 
three summers, he and his sister were jewels so prec- 
ious that for many years she could not bear them out 
of her sight. 

Rutherford's education began at his mother's knee; 
she being a woman of innate gentleness, refinement and 
culture. He had passed his seventh year before he was 
permitted to attend the common schools. 

The boys of that frontier life were rude and often 
coarse, but not cruel, nor lacking many manly quali- 
ties. He had been reared in the home, his associates 
being his sister and her friends. These environments 
engendered in him a tendency towards consideration of 
others, love of animals, and in a marked degree that 
abhorrence of the little vices and brutal habits so com- 
mon among boys of the street. 

He was an ardent, industrious, painstaking pupil. 
His loving obedience to his teacher was often the occa- 
sion of a sarcastic remark from some ill-favored com- 
panion. He had early learned that, "it takes two to 
make a quarrel"; hence such strifes he always 
avoided. 

His sister Fanny and he were always the first to 
enter the schoolroom, and prompt in their seats at the 
close of recess. His playmates admired him for his 
unselfishness, generosity and frankness. He was with- 
out deceit or guilt. He was modest and bashful in 
disposition. 

His uncle, Sardis Birchard, who had come all the 
way from Brattlesborough with his parents, and had 



RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES 81 

been the "man of the house" since his father's death, 
generously assisted his mother in caring for the boy's 
health ; and now that his condition was much im- 
proved, he suggested he be sent to college. Accord- 
ingly a tutor was procured, and his preparation was 
made at home ; and he was subsequently sent for one 
year to the Wesleyan University, in Middletown, Con- 
necticut. 

At College. 

At the age of sixteen he entered Kenyon College, 
and in 1842 he was graduated at the head of his class. 
His college life was that of an unassuming, studious 
youth, diligent, industrious and punctilious in the 
proper improvement of time. He was of an amiable 
disposition, greatly possessed of enduring principles 
of right, justice and honor, beloved and a great fa- 
vorite with his fellow-students as well as the faculty. 

A word in season may often save a young man from 
everlasting disgrace and expulsion. One of his class- 
mates from Ohio had played a practical joke and given 
offense thereby to the faculty. He was asked to make 
amends by confessing his fault. At an indignation 
meeting held by his friends, fiery speeches were in- 
dulged in, and cries of "martyr"; while such ejacula- 
tions rent the air as, "Do not yield," "Death before 
dishonor," were heard all over the room. 

Rutherford Hayes, with his accustomed keenness of 
insight, stepped into the breach, and, in a firm, quiet 
voice, turned the tide onto the side of right. He said : 

"Fellows, this is all a great mistake. It cannot be 
that you have stopped to think. Now, I know well 
what I would do if I had been caught in such a scrape, 



82 EUTHERFOKD BIRCHAKD HAYES 

and had received such a proposition from the faculty; 
I should not wait a single hour before I went and asked 
their forgiveness. I tell you, fellows, we have friends 
at home who care nothing about our codes of honor, 
but to whom our disgrace would bring great sorrow. 
I would not put them to shame by refusing to do such 
a little thing as confessing publicly to the truth. If 
he did wrong he ought to confess it. If it were not 
wrong in itself, but it is so held by the faculty, it can 
do no harm to tell the truth about it, and say he is 
sorry that he did it. I tell you, boys, it would be fool- 
ish to accept a lasting disgrace rather than acknowl- 
edge such a little shortcoming as that. If he does not 
do what the professors ask of him he is a very foolish 
young man, and will regret it, and his family will re- 
gret it, down to his dying day." 

The words were simple, but they came from an hon- 
est heart, and the inculpated student was not insensible 
to their force. The apology was made and the threat- 
ened revolt quieted forever. They felt he was the 
friend in need. He was well born, well bred, well edu- 
cated; a mother's son. 

Student of Law. 

At the advice of his sister, Fanny, he immediately 
took up the study af law. His first work was done in 
the office of Thomas Sparrow, Esq., in Columbus, Ohio. 
Being now in robust health, he was muscular and his 
nervous forces strong. With a mind vigorous and alert 
he entered into his profession "with a heart for any 
fate." His habit of research made him keen for the 
details of any case, and, having no showy qualities, he 



RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES 83 

went to the very bottom of every knotty question by 
careful analysis and hard work. 

He was a true representative of the American people. 

His endeavors were completed with precision, his 
choice of positions came from his good common sense, 
not fearing fatiguing details. His work was without 
flaw, but undemonstrative. His Americanism made 
him confident of success in whatever he undertook. He 
was a manly man, full of strong traits, which displayed 
his firm practical qualities in every-day life and made 
him the man for the place. His responsiveness to the 
common heart of the people he illustrated by his con- 
duct of the affairs of the community, whereby he dis- 
armed criticism and gained the approval of all fiir- 
minded men. He was a mother's son, blessed with the 
early training of our good common schools, our Repub- 
lic's bulwark where every man's son may make for 
himself a self-reliant character. 

Finding his opportunities at Columbus somewhat lim- 
ited, he entered the Harvard University Law School at 
Cambridge, Massachusetts. After remaining there two 
years he was graduated in 1845, and admitted to the 
bar at Marietta, Ohio. The shades of the Buckeye 
State were very conducive to the health of her sons 
of the soil, giving a full, symmetrical, physical educa- 
tion. 

Shortly after his graduation he entered into prac- 
tice of law with Ralph P. Buckland, of Fremont, Ohio. 
For three years he engaged in his law duties with an 
apparent indifference to public favor. If he were in- 
different at this time to the attainment of wealth it 
may be owing somewhat to the fact that he was heir- 
presumptive to his bachelor uncle's great wealth. Sar- 



84 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES 

dis Birchard had become a banker; and, if such be the 
case, the good influence of a Christian home saved him 
from the vices so prevalent, that work the everlasting 
destruction or dishonor of so many young men whose 
wealth comes by inheritance. 

In 1849 he removed to Cincinnati. In this valley he 
found a new stimulus. The field was open to young 
men possessed of energy, diligence, promptness and 
careful of all matters intrusted to their care. Such an 
one was Hayes. He won the confidence of all who en- 
trusted their business to his hands. His progress was 
slow; but, after several years of patient toiling, he 
became prominent. 

"Companionship is a great force in life." One of 
the most notable events in Rutherford Birchard Hayes' 
life was his marriage to Miss Lucy Ware Webb, daugh- 
ter of Dr. James Webb, of Chillicothe, Ohio ; from the 
moment of his engagement to this noble, pure-heartel 
woman, his life took on an upward tendency, and soon 
the true worth of Mr. Hayes began to assert itself. This 
marriage was a most fortunate affair. No woman ever 
graced the White House whose noble traits of char- 
acter won for her more admiration, and true love. 
Through her American womanhood shines resplendent 
in the glory reflected by her power as an ardent advo- 
cate of total abstinence, and it was through her influ- 
ence that liquors were conspicuously absent from the 
banquets held at the Presidential Mansion. 

Literary Work. 

Another notable event of Mr. Hayes' life at this 
time was his admission into the "Cincinnati Literary 
Club, a body of men embracing in its roster such men 



KUTHERFOED BIRCHARD HAYES 85 

as Chief Justice Salmon P. Chase, General John Pope, 
Governor Edward F. Noyes and many others." Being 
of a modest and extremely bashful disposition, he found 
his opportunity here among young men of high char- 
acter and lofty ambitions for that expression of hopes 
that he had hitherto suppressed. Ever ready to succor 
the oppressed and friendless, he lost no time in be- 
friending not only these, but was always ready to de- 
fend the fugitive slave; and as Cincinnati was one of 
the headquarters of the so-called underground rail- 
road, he had many an important case. He rose rapidly, 
and at the breaking out of the Rebellion, in April, 1861, 
his reputation at the bar was at its zenith. 

The United States did not raise soldier-citizens, but 
patriots, and when the news of the bombardment of Ft. 
Sumter reached Ohio, Rutherford B. Hayes was ready 
to shoulder his musket if need be in defense of the 
Buckeye State and the Federal Union. 

Up, up with our flag, 

Let it wave in the breeze ; 
"War's tocsin has sounded 

Through the buckeye trees. 

On, on with our flag, 

Let it fly o'er the seas; 
Now peace reigns supreme, 

Through the buckeye trees. 

He was first to enlist and last to sheathe his sword. 
He was an example to his men, an honor to his State 
and country, and a terror to rebellion. He was a fine 
speaker; his speeches through Ohio were heard 
throughout the nation; they established for him a na- 
tional reputation. Previous to his last election for Gov- 



86 RUTHERFORD BIECHARD HAYES 

ernor of Ohio, Hayes had been a candidate for Con- 
gress, but was defeated, thereby giving him a respite 
from public life. This canvass worked out for him na- 
tional honor. 

The Cincinnati Literary Club organized the " Burnet 
Rifles," composed of thirty-five of the legal profession 
of whom twenty-three became officers in the Union 
Army, and several generals were among their members. 

Rutherford B. Hayes foresaw a long and bloody 
struggle, and thought the call of Abraham Lincoln for 
seventy-five thousand men a mistake, yet, like the obe- 
dient son and citizen that he was, he enlisted for the 
whole war. He, with his friend, Honorable Stanley 
Matthews, tendered their services to the Governor of 
Ohio. Governor Dennison, knowing they did not wish 
to be separated, commissioned Matthews as lieutenant- 
colonel and Hayes as major of the 23d Regiment Ohio 
Volunteers. This regiment was sent to Clarksburg, 
W. Va., on garrison duty, to protect the Baltimore & 
Ohio Railroad. General Rosecrans was in command of 
the post. 

This region was disturbed by bands of raiders and 
bushwhackers, and the 23d was allowed to rest. Major 
Hayes' principal duty during the summer of 1861 was 
the fulfilling of that thankless office — judge-advocate 
on Rosecrans' staff. Late in October, Lieutenant-Col- 
onel Matthews resigned, having been assigned colonel 
of the 51st Regiment Ohio Volunteers. Major Hayes 
was promoted, and in the absence of Colonel Scammon 
took command of the 23d. 

The winter of 1861 and 1862 was spent in marching 
and raiding among the mountains of Virginia. These 
scouting expeditions were attended with many dan- 



RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES 87 

gers. Lieutenant-Colonel Hayes had several narrow 
escapes from death. On one occasion he fell into an 
ambuscade, but by his coolness and bravery under the 
enemy's fire he saved his own life, which greatly in- 
creased his popularity with his men. On the first of 
May he led an unexpected and impetuous assault on 
the enemy's garrison at Princeton, completely routing 
them, so that, in their flight they left all their materials 
of war behind them. 

While at Giles Court House, with nine companies of 
the 23d, five hundred cavalry and one section of light 
artillery, he was attacked by General Heath with an 
overwhelming army of four thousand. This was his 
first experience of maneuvering troops under fire. To 
advance, was impossible ; to remain, foolhardy ; so, the 
only way open was to avoid capture, if possible; but 
Hayes was equal to the occasion ; with him to think was 
to act. With courage born of the moment, and in a cool 
and deliberate manner, he inspired his troops with 
patriotic fire. The men cheered and tossed their old 
caps in the air as he rode by. The inspired men, un- 
mindful of hunger and fatigue, marched bravely on 
until they were safe within the fortifications of the 
main army. During this retreat Lieutenant-Colonel 
Hayes was slightly wounded by a piece of shell. 

His ability as a commander was proved conclusively. 
He was rapidly ordered from Flat Top Mountain, 
thence to Camp Piatt on the Kanawha, down the Ohio 
on transports, up that river again to Parkersburg; all 
this movement during the scorching month of July. 

Early in August he was promoted to colonel of the 
79th Regiment Ohio Volunteers. It was at the same 
time Lee crossed into Maryland on to Richmond, and 



88 EUTHEEFORD BIECHAED HAYES 

Lieutenant-Colonel Hayes resolved to remain with the 
79th until after the encounter. 

On the 13th of September, Lee, with sixty thousand 
men, crossed the South Mountain range at Turner's 
Gap. It was seven o'clock in the morning when the 
order came to advance ; the 23d formed part of the 
army to make the first movement. A detachment of 
cavalry and the 23d moved up the mountain. As they 
advanced they could see little whiffs of white smoke, 
then the hum of bullets, reports of musketry, showing 
only too plainly the position of the enemy. 

As they clambered the rocky heights the air was 
rent with the shrieks of the bursting shells, and as they 
forced their way over stumps, bowlders, trees, fences, 
crossed moist ravines, up the steep mountain sides, the 
scene beggared all description. 

During the impetuous charges and constant firing of 
the Union forces, General Garland, the leader of the 
Confederates, was killed. But General Longstreet 
opened up an attack with three lines of fresh troops 
entrenched behind a barricade of logs, stone walls and 
trees. The 23d, with Colonel Scammon, advanced upon 
the enemy, but the rebels let fly their artillery with such 
steady and sure aim that the trees were stripped of 
their leaves, and made such havoc of the ground that 
it was turned up as if it had been newly plowed. 

As the 23d climbed over a little hillock in front of 
the foe a death-dealing discharge of grape-shot struck 
them full in the face. Hundreds fell mortally wound- 
ed. Among the number was the commander himself, 
who escaped with a broken arm. Major Coraly now 
took command, and the remnant of the brave fellows 
advanced upon the enemy. Pausing for reinforce- 



RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES 89 

ments, they discovered a dangerous flank movement 
made by the enemy; at this juncture Colonel Hayes 
with his arm in a sling pressed his way forward and 
took the lead. His very presence filled their fainting 
hearts with courage, and they fought like heroes all 
day. Their banner was torn to tatters, yet the pieces 
of the flag were carried in triumph over the one hun- 
dred that remained. 

The brave Buckeye colonel fought, until fainting 
from loss of blood he was carried from the field. Grave 
fears of his life were entertained by the surgeon, Dr. 
Webb, his well-beloved brother-in-law, and the colonel 
himself had little hope of saving his arm from amputa- 
tion. As soon as the sad tidings reached Mrs. Hayes 
she made haste to find him. It was not any easy task ; 
for the wounded had been taken from the battlefield 
more than twenty miles to the rear, and left in impro- 
vised hospitals, in houses, barns and sheds. After a 
fatiguing search from Washington to Middletown, 
Mrs. Hayes was overjoyed to find him, though it was 
in a fearfully dilapidated two-story brick dwelling. 

He suffered intensely, and was unable to perform 
any duty for many weary weeks. By prompt medical 
service and loving, skillful nursing the arm was saved 
from amputation. His courage never forsook him; I13 
was a soldier every inch of him. Said he to a friend 
from Ohio: "Tell Governor Todd that I'll be on hand 
again shortly." 

As Colonel. 

A surprise was in store for him on his recovery. 
Colonel Scammon, having been promoted to Brigadier- 
General, Governor Dennison revoked the commission 



90 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES 

of Colonel Hayes to command the 79th, and issued a 
new commission to him as commander of his own true 
and tried 23d. 

An expedition was planned to southwestern Vir- 
ginia. Colonel Hayes accomplished the breaking up of 
the Virginia & Tennessee Railway, after a most fright- 
ful and tedious march. He had been cut off from all 
mail facilities, and hence he and his men were in ignor- 
ance of the surrender of Vicksburg, the defeat of Lee 
at Gettysburg and the ravages of Morgan in the Buck- 
eye State. Hastening forward to Fayetteville he 
learned that John Morgan was crossing the Scioto 
River that very day on his way to Gallipolis. The 
force stationed here was small and inadequate to pro- 
tect the supplies stored there. Colonel Hayes at once 
telegraphed to the quartermaster at Charleston, W. 
Va., for a couple of steamers to be sent immediately to 
Fayetteville; after which he leaped into his saddle, 
and, after a fatiguing ride of fifteen miles, arrived at 
camp at nightfall. "While it was yet night he took two 
regiments and a section of artillery and marched to 
the town. 

At early dawn he found the steamers ready, and 
they began their victorious voyage. The sun was kiss- 
ing the hillsides when they arrived, and immediately 
they took positions to defend the city. 

Morgan had been informed by spies of Hayes' ap- 
proach, and turned his men northward toward Pom- 
eroy. To re-embark was only the action of a moment, 
but brought the men in full time to dispute the passage 
of the enemy. Morgan pressed on up to Buffington's 
Island. At this point Morgan seized a steamboat, and 
when Colonel Hayes arrived he had ferried over about 



RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES 91 

three hundred of his men; but Hayes' arrival put an 
end to such maneuvers. The seizure of the boat by Hayes 
cut off the main body of the rebels, and Morgan re- 
crossed the river and remained with the troops, de- 
termined to share the fate of his "boys in gray," who 
were compelled to surrender. 

On the twenty-ninth of April, 1864, Colonel Hayes 
was ordered from Virginia to join the forces on the 
Upper Kanawha River, in a second raid on the Vir- 
ginia & Tennessee Railway, in compliance with an 
order from General Grant for a general advance of all 
the Union armies. On came General Cook's division 
from Virginia; of this division Colonel Hayes' brigade 
formed a small part, and did not exceed sixty-five thou- 
sand men. Being in ignorance of the forward marches 
he obeyed, and after a hard march over boulders em- 
bedded in snow, and over frozen, ice-bound, rugged, 
cragged mountains, with men falling by the way from 
hunger and fatigue, he arrived at the last range of 
hills only to find them strongly fortified and rising up 
an impregnable barrier between them and the railway. 
Seeing no available way of attack, he made a way. 

Colonel Hayes' brigade took the lead over and 
against these fortified crests or spurs on the mountains. 
At the word of command the men sprang forward and 
at a double-quick pace passed the meadow at the side 
of the mountain, and, with the suddenness of despera- 
tion, amid the blasting fire of shot and shell they dashed 
into the deep stream, climbed the slippery mountain 
sides, keeping in unbroken line until they reached the 
breastworks, where, with courage born of desperation, 
they clubbed the unsuspecting gunners to their death. 
The bewildered rebels made an ignoble retreat, leaving 



92 RUTHERFORD BIECHARD HAYES 

two handsome guns behind them; into one of these 
a boy of the 23d thrust his blue cap, claiming it as his 
prize, then rushed on with the "boys in blue" to help 
capture the second crest from the "Johnnies." The 
seizure of the second crest was made easy by the fact 
that the rebels were massing their forces for a last en- 
counter. It was a desperate and heroic contest, but, 
after a few moments' fighting and the loss of their 
leader, they fled down the icy mountain to the railway. 

General Cook hurried his command and reached the 
railroad at dark, after destroying eight miles of it, and 
burning the long bridge over the New River. The sol- 
diers were footsore and weary, many of them wounded 
and weak from loss of blood. It was not expedient for 
so small a number to be exposed in the enemy's country, 
so a return march was ordered at once. 

The spring weather had only enhanced the beauty of 
the mountains ; the leaves were putting on their plumes^ 
the robins were nesting in the leafy branches; but 
the Alleghany Mountains lay before these weather- 
beaten men. There were mountain torrents to march 
through, surging streams to cross, in which many men 
were lost, and horses and wagons foundered in the 
swift-rolling waters; the shoes of the soldiers fell to 
pieces; their clothing and blankets became soaked, 
their muskets rusty and useless, and their supplies al- 
most exhausted. Notwithstanding all these discomfit- 
ures, they were continually fighting and climbing, until 
at last Meadow Bluff was reached, and after a short 
rest and receiving fresh supplies, they reached Stanton, 
W. Va., June 8. 

At the attack on Lynchburg, Colonel Hayes' brigade 
bore an honorable part. When General Hunter ordered 



RUTHERFOKD BIRCHARD HAYES 93 

the retreat, it fell to Colonel Hayes' men to cover this 
retreat, and, although they had been two nights and 
days without sleep and had not tasted food for twenty- 
four hours, they displayed superhuman bravery and 
discharged their duty in an heroic manner. 

The 19th found them still marching and fighting until 
another sleepless night had passed. On they marched, 
scarcely reaching Buford's Gap ere the rebels in over- 
whelming numbers appeared, intent upon securing the 
heights. Hayes drew up his brigade and held his posi- 
tion all day, and thus covered the approach to the gap. 
Under cover of night when the Federal army was far 
beyond the shelling of the enemy he hastily retreated. 
But the enemy was on the alert also ; and ere he had 
reached Salem, his march was impeded by a strong 
body of men who had out-marched his famishing sol- 
diers; while he was harassed by an equally vigorous 
onslaught from the rear. 

Never in the history of the Civil War had there been 
a more pitiable condition of the soldiers. Scarcity of 
supplies, torn and bleeding feet, exhaustion from loss 
of sleep only served to draw them closer to their mag- 
nanimous leader. Ever near to cheer them onward, 
and, by his coolness and gentle firmness to stimulate 
them, they enthusiastically obeyed each and every 
command until they cleared the way to camp, where at 
ten o'clock at night they enjoyed their first sleep for 
nearly four days. 

After a march of six days they arrived at Big Sewall 
Mountain, having subsisted on half rations on the way. 
They returned to Charleston, arriving there July 1. 
From this point Colonel Hayes began the campaign in 
the Shenandoah Valley. He was sent July 22 to re- 



94 RUTHERFORD BIRCHAED HAYES 

connoitre the foe with two sections of artillery. Being 
surrounded by a greater force of rebel cavalry, but 
"nothing venture, nothing have" being a familiar ax- 
iom of Colonel Hayes, he and his men fought gallant- 
ly, inspired by the hope of certain victory. On the 23d 
they returned in safety to General Cook's division at 
Winchester. 

On the following day a retreat was made before 
Early's entire army; but it was covered by Hayes' bri- 
gade in a masterly manner. In the meantime, Sherman 
was forcing his way to Atlanta, while Sigel was mov- 
ing up the Shenandoah Valley, and General Grant forc- 
ing his way on to Richmond. General Sheridan's forces 
were ever on the alert to prevent Early from rein- 
forcing Lee at Richmond. The 23d took a conspicuous 
part in these movements, often fighting its way through 
Early's strong picket lines, forcing him to display the 
full strength of his command, and compelling him to 
seek new positions. 

These raids were fraught with much danger and it 
was a question in the minds of officers and men when 
and how they might return; but, the confidence they 
had in their leader spurred them on and they always 
managed to return in good fighting trim. 

On the twenty-third of August, Sheridan's outposts 
at Halltown were suddenly attacked by Early, where- 
upon Hayes' brigade met them and drove the skirmish- 
ers, and took most of Kershaw's division prisoners. 
On the sixteenth of September Sheridan made his ad- 
vance against Early. 

On the nineteenth of the same month the battle of 
Winchester took place. Colonel Hayes' brigade oc- 
cupied the extreme right of the column; marching in 



RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES 95 

front, advancing rapidly with a light line of skirmish- 
ers, covering them and driving in the rebel cavalry. 
Crossing the open country, men fell from the enemy's 
musketry, but at last they reached a slight elevation, 
in full view of the enemy 's lines ; and then began a most 
disastrous firing. 

To falter was to die, and at the command of "double- 
quick" the men rushed through a thick fringe of under- 
brush, when, lo ! and behold ! a slough about ten feet 
deep whose dark waters mingled with slime and weeds 
stretched the full length of his line. Nothing daunted, 
again came the command "Forward!" and spurring 
his horse he dashed into the mire. Both horse and 
rider sank nearly out of sight, but the brave animal 
swam until he struck the ooze at the bottom, gave a 
plunge or two, then sank helplessly to the bottom. 

Seeing their beloved Colonel's dilemma many sol- 
diers in attempting to help him were either killed or 
drowned. Colonel Hayes dismounted, and wading to 
the bank waved his cap, while some of the stronger 
ones joined him. With these few he climbed the slip- 
pery bank, and hastened to take the guns, but was 
unsuccessful, the enemy having had time to withdraw 
the cannon. Scarcely had the situation become known 
ere Colonel Hayes moved to the farther side of the 
slough, reorganized his brigade, and resumed the 
march. 

During one of the skirmishes General Duval was 
wounded and Colonel Hayes was given command of the 
division. Early's defeat followed soon after, he him- 
self barely escaping capture. At Fisher's Hill Sheridan 
followed him sharply; routed his army and drove him 
from the field. During Sheridan's brief absence Early 



96 BUTHEEFOED BIRCHAED HAYES 

with strong reinforcements attacked the Union forces. 
Colonel Hayes's command entered eagerly into the 
fierce conflict, but, overpowering numbers on the en- 
emy's side compelled them to choose between retreat 
or capture. The case was a desperate one; but the 
withdrawal was affected in such an orderly manner 
that "not so much as a tin plate was lost." 

But amidst all the confusion and rout Colonel Hayes 
was ever the cool and courageous soldier. His per- 
sistent resistance acted like magic on his men, who 
braved every danger, rallied again, and rescued Sheri- 
dan's train from capture. At the beginning of this 
attack Colonel Hayes's horse fell dead under him, pre- 
cipitating his rider violently to the ground, bruising 
him and wrenching his foot and ankle. It was feared 
he had been killed, but springing to his feet he ran back 
to his division, and a fierce battle ensued. 

The backbone of the rebel advance was broken. 
Sheridan with his magnificent charger flecked with 
foam came up the valley, riding furiously. 

Hayes as Brigadier-General. 

October 19, 1864, Colonel Hayes was promoted to 
brigadier "for gallant and meritorious service at the 
battles of Winchester, Fisher's Hill and Cedar Creek." 

"For gallant and distinguished services during the 
campaigns of 1864, in West Virginia, and particularly 
in the battles of Fisher's Hill and Cedar Creek" he 
was brevetted major-general. 

Advancements were never sought by him, but were 
the just recompense for his coolness and bravery. Four 
times had he been severely wounded, and four horses 
shot under him. During his military service his loy- 



RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES 97 

alty to his superiors was without a parallel; his gal- 
lantry in battle an inspiration to those in his com- 
mand ; no matter how arduous or dangerous a commis- 
sion he was ever ready to accept it. In every time 
of battle he was ever the Christian gentleman ; no pow- 
er was ever abused by him. To those under his com- 
mand he was kind, patient and considerate. He was in 
the highest acceptation of the term "the soldier's 
friend." His religion had its seat in his heart. 

Offer of Civic Honor. 

No persuasion could induce him to leave the army, 
no offer of preferment in the political affairs of the 
nation had any weight with him whatever. He was 
in full sympathy with the Republican Party, and an 
earnest supporter of all measures that had for their 
aim the abolition of slavery. He had been an ardent 
admirer of Daniel Webster, and made an exhaustive 
study of his speeches and writings, but could not rec- 
oncile himself to coincide with his views on this dom- 
inant issue. Being of a modest disposition he was more 
often a listener than a speaker, but when the occa- 
sion required he spoke in a masterly, judicial manner, 
convincing men often against their will by his logical 
presentation of a subject. 

Before the war, as early as 1860, he was convinced 
that with the success of the Republican Party the pres- 
ervation of the Union was assured. "For was not the 
Union much older than the Constitution?" He be- 
lieved the words of the "Immortal American" when he 
said: "It seems as if God had borne with this slavery 
until the very teachers of religion have come to defend 
it from the Bible, and to claim for it a divine character 



98 RUTHERFORD BIRCIIARD HAYES 

and sanction, and now the vials of wrath will be poured 
out." 

After tlif election of Abraham Lincoln, and the "stir- 
ring times" began, he was very active with every 
movement which had for its aim the overthrow of the 
slave-power. Had he not publicly defended the fugi- 
tive slaves and been a brother to them in time of need? 
On April 16, 1861, during the grand Union demonstra- 
tion at Cincinnati, "assembled without distinction of 
party," lie was selected by the citizens to offer the fol- 
lowing resolution : 

"The authority of the United States, as against the 
rebellious citizens of the seceding and disloyal States, 
ought to be asserted and maintained; and that what- 
ever men or means may be necessary to accomplish that 
object, the patriotic people of the loyal States will 
promptly and cheerfully produce." 

From that day he was untiring in his efforts in se- 
curing volunteers ; and it did not stop until the day of 
his enlistment. His movements were closely watched 
by his many friends in the Buckeye State, and the day 
did come very soon when the prediction made by their 
"that he would do them honor" came back to them 
when word reached the old home that he had won his 
stripes and eagles. 

In 1864 the people felt the need of him and they 
sought him earnestly to accept the nomination for Con- 
gress from the Second Ohio District. This district was 
largely Democratic, and he was the only man who 
could carry the district. To save his constituency from 
defeat he was induced to accept the nomination with 
this proviso: "If the war close before the meeting of 



EUTHERFOED BIECHAED HAYES 99 

Congress, to which he was to be chosen, he might take 
the seat." 

He was nominated. 

The Government had drafted many men, and the con- 
sequences became apparent in strength of the Demo- 
cratic Party. 

General Hayes took no part in the canvass; on the 
contrary he wrote to his friends who had been persist- 
ent in their appeals to him to come home and continue 
the campaign they had begun, the following letter, 
characteristic of the man: 

" Yours of ... is received. Thanks: I have 
other business just now. Any man who would leave 
the army at this time, to electioneer for Congress, 
ought to be scalped." 

Truly yours, 

R. B. Hayes." 

Such words as these only added fuel to the flame of 
enthusiasm his fame created. His ever-conquering 
spirit had come back home and inspired his compatri- 
ots to renewed activity in his canvass. He was not 
necessary in presence. His influence was work ng 
greater things for him while absent in the army. The 
transparencies bore the following inscriptions: "Hayes 
loves his country, and fights for it;" "Our candidate is 
now stumping the Shenandoah Valley." "Tell Gov- 
ernor Todd I'll be on hand." 

It proved a hard contest, but he was elected, carry- 
ing his district by a majority of three thousand and 
ninety-eight. 

No amount of persuasion could induce him to resign 
his commission, however; he firmly declared "I shall 



100 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES 

never come back to Washington until I come by way 
of Richmond." 

As Representative. 

One has said that when he did take his seat in the 
House he was still the same modest, cool, conscientious 
member that he had been as a soldier; ever energetic, 
original, comprehensive, generous in his expressions 
of confidence and personal attachments, dignified and 
resolute. His studious habits at college now shed a 
halo over his every action ; he always finished with care 
whatever he undertook, often taking places on com- 
mittees not coveted by more ambitious men. In time 
his worth manfested itself in many ways. He accepted 
the chairmanship of the House Committee on the Li- 
brary, in the fond hope of enlarging and re-establishing 
this much needed institution. Besides this he carried 
through the House an appropriation of one hundred 
thousand dollars for the purchase of a collection of 
books made by Colonel Peter Force. These books have 
proved invaluable to historians in their research con- 
cerning America. 

Being of a hopeful, happy nature he won the ad- 
miration of his fellow members with whom he was so- 
cial, and though at all times dignified and respect- 
ful, he was the soul of good fellowship. 

In 1866 General Hayes was re-nominated for Con- 
gress, and for the first time in his life entered activity 
into public life. No flowery speeches fell from his lips, 
no sarcasm ; no vituperation ; no blasphemy ; no coarse- 
ness; no misrepresentation entered into his discussion; 
careful research, good sense and sound judgment were 
the all-convincing arguments through which he edu- 



RUTHERFORD BIECHARD HAYES 101 

cated the people up into the principles of Republican- 
ism. A careful study of his speeches will correct any 
mistake that might have rested in the minds of those 
who thought they lacked fire. 

He was elected for the second term by a majority of 
two thousand and five hundred and fifty-six. 

Ohio was having troublous times in the Senate; an 
amendment was before the House, abolishing the word 
"white" as a term distinguishing between citizens. The 
Republicans feared defeat on this account. Allen G. 
Thurman was chosen the Democratic candidate for 
Governor, and the committee knew that the only man 
to lead the Republican side to certain victory was the 
popular soldier-member, Rutherford B. Hayes. 

Elected Governor. 

General Hayes had made preparations to remain in 
Washington two more years, when to his surprise on 
the morning of June 10, 1867 the news reached him 
of his nomination as Governor of the Buckeye State. 

The stump speeches made only partial success, and 
the contest was very close, General Hayes being elect- 
ed with a small majority of three thousand ; while the 
Democrats secured both branches of the Legislature, 
thus defeating the amendment. 

In 1869 Governor Hayes was a second time elected 
Governor of his native state, and won the second vic- 
tory with a majority of seven thousand five hundred 
and eighteen votes over the Democratic candidate, 
Hon. George H. Pendleton, of Cincinnati. This was 
a double victory, for a Republican majority was se- 
cured in the Legislature. 

The Democrats felt his power; he had stirred up 



102 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES 

thought on the internal affairs of the State, and by 
his lucidity, foreefulness and fairness, had poured oil 
on the troubled waters. The Democrats feared him, 
and tried to take an unfair advantage of him, by a 
combination with some disgruntled Republicans who 
tried to elect him to the United States Senate; but 
he spurned the bribe, but gave John Sherman his earn- 
est support. Ohio needed just such men. 

In 1872 he was a candidate for Congress, but was 
defeated by the combined influence of the Liberals and 
Democrats. 

He had ever been a man who loved his home and 
the sweet rest on the farm had ever been the dream 
of his life; many a hard day's fighting had ended with 
him on his knees seeking blessings on his dear ones 
and the cessation of war, so that he might return 
to his own fireside. His great desire, coupled with 
that of his devoted wife, was that he might retire 
from public life and professional duties and spend 
the remaining days in a quiet rural home. 

His uncle Sardis, the retired banker, being without 
family urged upon them the great desire of his heart; 
which was that they might take up their abode with 
him in Fremont, Ohio. They had scarcely made a 
home there when in January, 1874, Sardis Birchard 
went to his "great reward," leaving his entire estate 
to General Hayes. His duties were heavy and he al- 
ready refused the office of Assistant United States 
Treasurer, at Cincinnati, believing he could serve his 
country better in private life. 

In 1875 he was again tendered the nomination for 
Governor. Strong arguments were brought to bear 
on him to save the State from another defeat. At 



RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES 103 

last, with great reluctance, he consented to accept 
the nomination for the third time. Always obedient 
to the voice of the people, and willing to serve the peo 
pie, he entered this campaign, sure of victory. His 
earnest and continued study of the affairs of the State, 
united with persuasiveness, made him a welcome as 
well as powerful and eloquent speaker. His influen jo 
for good and pure politics saved the State in such a 
time when success to the Democrats meant corruption 
and disloyalty. There were times coming which would 
try the souls of men as did the "War of Rebellion." 
In 1876 all over the Union was felt a spirit bf 'un- 
easiness upon the question of the President of the 
United States. The Republican Party was divided 
among themselves. Hon. James G. Blaine, of Maine, 
was influentially mentioned. Hon. Roscoe Conkl'ng 
was favortbly spoken of, while Benjamin H. Bristow, 
of Kentucky, was being earnestly supported by those 
Republicans not satisfied with Grant's administra- 
tion. 

Elected President. 

In June the Convention met in Cincinnati. The 
Ohio delegation went into the Convention pledged 
to stand for General Hayes, believing him the strong- 
est candidate that could be elected ; hoping that Blaine 
and Conkling would be defeated. After several bal- 
lotings he was nominated. 

General Hayes had kept from the first a dignified 
and respectful silence, ever maintaining an unreserved 
and complete devotion to the interest and welfare 
of that State that had honored him. He was not un- 
mindful of the honor done him, but continued on in 



104 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES 

the even tenor of his business life, until the news was 
sent him. His letter of acceptance won for him words 
of admiration from every section of the country. On 
March eighth, 1881, he resigned his office as Governor 
of Ohio, and retired to his home in Fremont to await 
results. 

In his letter of acceptance of the nomination Mr. 
Hayes wrote : 

"Believing that the restoration of the civil service 
to the system established by Washington, and fol- 
lowed by the early Presidents, can be best accomplish- 
ed by an executive who is under no temptation to 
use the patronage of his office to promote his own re- 
election, I desire to perform what I regard as a duty, 
in stating now my inflexible purpose, if elected, not 
to be candidate for election to a second term." 

His arrival was the signal for a demonstration such 
as no one previously received ; men became as brothers 
and entered into the occasion with such enthusiasm, 
and his speech on that occasion was one of the most 
eloquent and felicitious he had ever made. 

From Abbott and Conwell we quote the following: 
ing: 

"The result of the election in the States of South 
Carolina, Louisiana, and Florida, owing to circum- 
stances that need not be recited here, was for a long 
time in doubt, and complications arose which threat- 
ened the peace of the country. The controversy was 
thrown into Congress, the Senate being Republican, 
the House, Democratic ; and the two parties taking 
opposite views as to the course to be pursued in count- 
ing the electoral votes. It was finally agreed that the 
questions at issue should be referred to a Joint High 



RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES 105 

Commission, composed of five Senators, five Repre- 
sentatives, and five Judges of the Supreme court of the 
United States. Three of the Senators were to be Re- 
publican and two of them Democrats ; three of the 
Representatives Democrats and two of them Repub- 
lican. Four Judges of the Supreme Court, two of 
each party, were named by mutual consent; and these 
four were to name a fifth, who proved to be a Repub- 
lican, making the Commission stand eight Republi- 
cans to seven Democrats." 

''Unfortunately all the questions at issue were de- 
cided by party votes — eight to seven. General Hayes 
was declared elected by one vote over Samuel J. Til- 
den, the Democratic candidate, the vote standing one 
hundred and eighty-five for Hayes and Wheeler, and 
one hundred and eighty-four for Tilden and Hend- 
ricks, and Hayes was inaugurated on Monday, March 
5, 1877, as the nineteenth President of the United 
States for four years. (The fourth of March fell on 
Sunday.)" 

Never in the history of the country has there been 
a President who under most adverse circumstances, 
and in the face of the fact that he was much embar- 
rassed in his administration at the outset, for the rea- 
son that many of his political opponents felt he was not 
entitled to the honor of being President — notwith- 
standing all these obstacles, never has there been at 
the head of the Nation one who has by his modest in- 
sistence on equal rights to all, his economical manage- 
ment of national affairs, his prompt and equitable pay- 
ment of all our foreign obligations, our internal in- 
crease in industrial pursuit and our adjustment of all 
political differences, won for our country greater re- 
spect at home and abroad. And all these conditions 
were brought about in such an unostentatious manner, 
without display or boast or compelling force ; it seem- 



106 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES 

ed as if the Government must have found some secret 
power whereby it propelled itself. For does not every 
man in America wield a power that in time may make 
him a President of a nation? 

The growth and expansion of our country is due to 
the courage, perseverance and self-sacrifice of her cit- 
izens, who rise in response to the mandates of their 
countrymen; it may be from the rudest shocks of 
violence. 

On March eighth, 1881, Governor Hayes laid down 
the onerous duties of Governor of the State and mod- 
estly and in full harmony with the Nation at large. 
His return to his country home at Fremont was made 
memorable by the citizens of all parties in a highly 
complimentary reception. The victor has won an 
earthly crown — the love and respect of his fellow-man. 

The disquiet in the nation produced by a bitter spirit 
of partisanship, was in a measure subdued by the con- 
ciliatory utterances of his powerful inaugural address. 
The disturbed South was assured of actions and pur- 
pose in strict accord with good faith and honesty. He 
recommended a speedy return to specie payment as an 
equitable adjustment of the unsettled condition of the 
finances. An "Era of Good Feeling" was the imme- 
diate effect of his policy, and with its birth came a 
united people from all sections of the nation. 

On March eighth, the President, contrary to all pre- 
cedent, named a non-partisan Cabinet, composed of 
able and statesmen-like supporters of the rights of the 
people : 

Secretary of State, ¥m M. Evarts, New York. 

Secretary of Treasury, John Sherman, Ohio. 

Secretary of War, Geo. W. McCrary, Iowa. 



RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES 107 

Secretary of Navy, Richard W. Thompson, Indiana. 

Secretary of Interior, Carl Shurz, New York. 

Attorney-General, Chas. E. Devens, Massachusetts. 

Postmaster General, David M. Key, Tennessee. 

With these appointments ratified by the Senate, a 
new administration and a new century of the republic 
were ushered in together. 

Strikes. 

The internal labor strifes had been heard only in 
low ominous mutterings, against reduced wages. An 
armed neutrality had been maintained between the 
working men in the manufacturing districts, which 
waited on the oppressive summer time to show its hy- 
dra-headed enormity, and when at last the lines of 
travel and commerce were brought to a stand-still, 
the managers and the wage-earners realized how hurt- 
ful this inharmonious line of action had been to both. 
The depredations increased so rapidly that the militia 
was called out by Governor Matthews, and a blockade 
on the Baltimore & Ohio was raised at Martinsburg. 
President Hayes ordered General French to the scene 
with a company of regulars. 

On the twentieth of July a terrible revolt took place 
at Baltimore, to the discomfiture of the rioters, of 
whom nine were killed and many wounded. The strike 
spread, and with the exception of the cotton-growing 
states, travel was greatly impeded, freights perished 
en route, and everywhere business was paralyzed. Vio- 
lence took the place of law and order. In the city of 
Pittsburgh the mob had uncontrolled possession of the 
city for two days, filling the inhabitants with terror 
equaled only by the lawlessness and rapines of those 



108 RUTHERFORD BIECHAED HAYES 

fiery days of the French Revolution. On the twenty- 
fifth similar scenes took place in Chicago. On the next 
day St. Louis was at the mercy of an infuriated as- 
semblage of malcontents. On it swept, until the Pacific 
Coast at San Francisco, made its memorable onslaught 
on the Chinese immigrants and lumber yards. The 
President, ever prompt to act, closed this alarming in- 
surrection in less than a month. 

Indian Troubles. 

An equally internal trouble had arisen between the 
Chiefs of the Nez Perce Indians. In 1806 Lewis and 
Clark, the explorers, made a treaty with this tribe. 
The Government had established trading posts and 
missionary stations, and friendly terms existed until 
after the war with Mexico. In 1854 the Government 
authorities made a purchase of land of the Nez Perce 
territory, extensive reservations being conceded in 
Northwestern Idaho and Northeastern Oregon. Some 
of the dissatisfied Chiefs refused to accede to these 
overtures, and denounced the ratification of the 
purchase, and remained at large. These became 
troublesome, and their depredations offensive in the 
extreme. President Hayes instructed General Howard 
to march against them, but the Nez Perces, led by 
their intrepid leader, Joseph, gave him chase, and all 
summer, and far into the winter, by skillful detours, 
managed to avoid capture. 

In the fall the Indians were chased through the 
mountains into Northern Montana ; there they were 
confronted by Colonel Miles. Being hemmed in they 
were again forced across the Missouri River, and 
were finally surrounded, and on the fourth of October 



RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES 109 

were attacked and completely routed by Colonel Miles. 
White Bird, one of the Chiefs, and a few of his follow- 
ers alone escaped. Three hundred and seventy-five of 
the Nez Perces were brought back as prisoners to the 
American post on the Missouri. 

Remonetization of Silver. 

The year 1877 is memorable for the adjustment of 
the vexed outcry — the cry for remonetization of silver. 
The first coinage regulations of the United States made 
the standard unit of value the American Silver Dollar, 
containing three hundred and twenty-one and one- 
fourth grains pure silver. 

From 1792 to 1873 the quantity of pure metal in 
this dollar had remained, but the amount of alloy had 
undergone several alterations. 

In 1849 a gold dollar was added to the coinage ; from 
that time the standard unit of value in both remained 
the same. 

In 1873 and 1874, by a series of acts adopted by Con- 
gress bearing upon the standard unit of value, the legal- 
tender quality of silver was first abridged and then 
abolished. Subsequent acts of the Coinage Committee 
left the gold dollar of twenty-three and twenty-two 
hundredth grains the single standard unit of value. 

President Hayes met these conditions in a masterly 
manner; he knew that disastrous as had been the 
bloodless shot fired by Edmund Ruffin against the 
granite walls of Ft. Sumter, and tremendous as had 
been the loss of life and property, yet a more dire ca- 
lamity threatened the nation, for a nation divided 
against itself must fall. For the people's good he 
stood a wall of solid rock, unmoved and undaunted 



HO RUTHEEFOED BIRCHAED HAYES 

in the discharge of his duty, both for the people of 
America, and in the hope of establishing an honor 
abroad. With consummate skill and unbounded hope 
in the new era about to be ushered in, he rejoiced and 
with prophetic vision saw a great financial future for 
America. 

The Resumption Act. 

The Resumption Act was passed by Congress in Janu- 
ary, 1875, whereby the Government should begin to re- 
deem its debts in coin. As the time for payment drew 
near the meaning of coin agitated the public mind. 
The premium on gold fell off. The people became 
aroused and realized that by the acts of 1873 and 1874, 
the privilege of liquidating our foreign indebtedness in 
silver had been taken away. 

In 1878 Congress passed a measure restoring the 
legal-tender value of the old silver dollar, and also 
providing for the compulsory coinage of not less than 
two million of these dollars per month. The President 
returned the bill with his objections, but his veto was 
buried under an overwhelming majority. The Con- 
gress, without respect to party affiliations, voted for its 
resumption, and the double standards were restored. 

President Hayes, despite the victory, was untiring 
in his efforts to establish a foundation of peace and 
prosperity at home, and sought to establish that peace 
with foreign powers which alone would give tranquil- 
lity and confidence in America. 

On the first of January, 1875, the Resumption of 
Specie Payment was formally accomplished by the 
Treasury. This was hailed by the financiers of the 
country as a check to the over-production to bank- 



RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES m 

ruptcy, and lawless speculation in silver and gold; 
rampant barter and sale had received their death- 
blow; and the poor people looked forward to better 
times. 

Yellow Fever Epidemic. 

During the summer of 1878 the Gulf country was 
being scourged by the death-dealing calamity. In the 
latter part of May it made its appearance in New Or- 
leans. The people of this section had given little, if 
any, attention to sanitation; consequently the spread 
of the disease was rapid. It rushed from city to city, 
a ravaging pestilence, irrespective of age or financial 
condition. Thousands became its victims along the 
lower Mississippi. The generous sent money and pro- 
visions and hospital equipment, and all over the north- 
land a regulated system of sanitation was inaugurated 
during the long summer. 

It was not until the frosty days of October came 
that the plague abated, with a loss of more than 
twenty thousand victims. 

The Treaty of Washington. 

Six years after the close of the War of the Rebellion 
the claims of the United States against Great Britain 
for damage done to American commerce by Confed- 
erate cruisers built and equipped in British ports still 
remained unpaid. Such a proceeding was in direct vio- 
lation of the law of nations, even though, success had 
fallen on the side of the Confederacy. After repeated 
reminders had been refused, the British Government at 
last awoke to a realization of her neglect. 

Accordingly, on the twenty-seventh of February, 
1871, a Joint High Commission, composed of five Brit- 



112 RUTHERFOED BIRCHARD HAYES 

ish and five American statesmen, met at "Washington. 
Based upon the knowledge that the cruiser Alabama, 
had done most of the depredations, the United States 
entered her complaint under the title of 

The Alabama Claims. 

From the workings of this committee came the par- 
tial settlement of the fishing privileges. It was agreed 
that the inhabitants of the United States were to retain 
their right to certain sea-fisheries which had hitherto 
belonged to Great Britain, and that American fisher- 
men, without prejudice or restriction, should have the 
privilege of taking fish of any kind, (except shell-fish) 
on the seacoast shores, bays and harbors of Nova 
Scotia, Quebec, New Brunswick and Prince Edward's 
Island. On the other hand, the United States relin- 
quished the duties hitherto charged on certain kinds 
of fish imported by the British Government into Amer- 
ican harbors. And, moreover, in order to make an 
amicable and full settlement of the vexed question it 
was further agreed to pay in full a sum commensurate 
for any advantage accruing to the United States from 
such an agreement. 

Again a commission was formed, consisting of one 
Commissioner to be appointed by Queen Victoria, one 
by President Hayes, and a third (provided the Queen 
and President should not agree on a third) by the 
Austrian Ambassador, at the Court of St. James. 

This commission assembled in the summer of 1877, 
at Halifax, but it was not until the following Novem- 
ber that the nations were surprised and alarmed at 
the announcement that "an award of five million dol- 



BUTHEKFOKD BIECHARD HAYES H3 

lars had been made against the United States Govern- 
ment," which was paid, not without protest, however. 

An Open Door for China. 

The Burlingame Treaty had been recognized for the 
past twenty years. Slowly the Christian missionaries 
had wedged into the heart of the Mongolians, so that, 
now the relations between the Celestial Empire and 
the United States were so friendly, their institutions, 
manners and customs so well understood, that it was 
time the race-prejudice be broken. 

The idea of having a resident ambassador at Wash- 
ington was not new. The Emperor of China had been 
assured that the people of China (especially her Min- 
isters) would be received with all the courtesies ac- 
corded to the most favored nation. On the twenty- 
eighth of September the following Embassy was re- 
ceived by President Hayes: 

Chin Lan Pin, Minister Plenipotentiary ; Yung "Wing, 
Assistant Envoy, and Yung Tsang Siang, Secretary of 
Legation. 

The reception ceremonies were among the most 
unique and interesting ever witnessed at the Capital. 

1880-1881. 

Great political struggles disturbed the Nation. The 
Republican National Convention adopted a platform 
of a retrospective nature. A need for nationality as op- 
posed to that of state's rights was felt, a declaration 
of popular education, also encouragement of Ameri- 
can industries, and a call on Congress to limit the Chi- 
nese immigration; but the crowning act of the Con- 
vention, before the call for nominations, was the ardent 



114 RUTHERFOKD BIECHARD HAYES 

compliments passed upon the administration of Ruth- 
erford Birchard Hayes. 

The country had advanced steadily in the direction 
of the advancement of man. The Life Saving Service 
had been re-organized, life-cars with hawsers, light 
houses with their red-light signals flaming up from the 
shore telling in silent effulgence the danger near, and 
the ever welcome story of succor, if need be. In every 
element of national energy the country had developed 
and continued to advance until now the total popula- 
tion of the states and territories aggregated upwards 
of fifty million of people, an increase since 1870 of more 
than a million a year. The center of population had 
moved Westward about fifty miles, and now rested at 
the Southwestern corner of the Buckeye state, near 
Cincinnati, her population having increased at the rate 
of twenty-two per cent, until the Queen City numbered 
two hundred and fifty-five thousand, seven hundred 
and eight souls. 

At Rest. 

Although golden circlet and mighty sword gave token 
of inheritance in this man, yet with the tenderness of 
manner, clothed in mystic, wonderful self-possession, 
every inch a man, he retired, ever enshrined in the 
hearts of the American people, inorbed in the affairs 
of a nation, whose sons were fleshed with the best blood 
of the Divine Father of all. Ever temptable and seek- 
ing not to live apart from the fellowship of his kind, 
he lived as one who had met the tempter and with his 
eye ever set on the Man, Jesus, he conquered, he re- 
joiced and looked to the future with unbounded hope. 



RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES H5 

Woman's Hand. 

Betsy Ross, the upholsterer, with her five-pointed 
star on its field of blue, left to her successors a fame 
that will last as long as the sun shines. "Every color 
of the red, white and blue means liberty ; and every 
thread means liberty ; and every form of star, beam or 
stripe of light means liberty; it is not a painted rag." 
Who has not felt his heart beat high within him when 
on high seas or on foreign shores the Star Spangled 
Banner catches his eye? 

Mrs. Hayes' love for the flag was unbounded. Said 
she: "Wherever the American flag floats, women will 
claim justice, loyalty and sincerity from each other." 
A woman whose kind speeches comforted the heavy- 
hearted; in every duty, both social and official, she re- 
solved to do right, knowing she had God on her side. 
A woman of fine presence, tall, sedate, kindly in man- 
ner and speech, she won the White-ribboners and the 
missionaries from all over the world in such close em- 
brace that they knew she walked and talked with God. 
The Methodist Episcopal Church was her church home. 
She was of a sincere, cheerful and consistent tempera- 
ment, united with a healthy body and mind; an ardent 
admirer of the beautiful in art and literature ; but sim- 
plicity marked her tastes. Her liberal education at 
the Wesleyan Female College of Cincinnati had de- 
veloped her strength of purpose and sense of duty. 

Mr. and Mrs. Hayes were blessed with a family of 
eight children, five of whom live to give joy and honor 
to their parents' closing days. 

No woman in Ohio contributed more to promote har- 
mony and efficiency of a Governor's life than did Mrs. 



116 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES 

Hayes. The executive mansion at Columbus became 
the salutary center from which radiate influences which 
made Ohio's one of the most harmonious of peace lov- 
ing circles, and at a period in her history when im- 
pressions received were most lasting and most forcible. 
Eleemosynary institutions were given an uplift ; a spirit 
of good-will and confidence went abroad throughout 
the land. In the army she found her place ; the soldier 
boys called her "The Mother of the Kegiment." 

At the White House she carried with her the same 
symmetrical and harmonious arrangements as did the 
President in his executive chair. They were a unit in 
all matters, little heeding previous customs, and still 
less invidious opinions on their private conduct of the 
home. As a true, wise and loyal companion, she with- 
held from her husband any annoyance, complaint or 
trouble. The sacredness of the home was never broken. 
They were ambitious to preserve to the people the 
home in all its simplicity, so that in days to come the 
common people should know that intrinsic merit is in 
no way dependent on external circumstances. They 
were dignified by a lofty freedom of action that has 
left its imprint on the generations yet to follow. 

The Saviour has nowhere freed man from his obli- 
gations to attend to the interests of his fellow-man; 
on the contrary, his especial command was: "Do unto 
others as you would that men should do unto you." 
When men are found in high places debauching their 
bodies and benumbing their intellects, it becomes the 
imperative duty of some one to conform to the strictest 
moral laws. 

Such was the privilege of Mr. and Mrs. Hayes. At 
Washington they found alarming prodigality in the 



RUTHERFORD BIRCHAED HAYES H7 

use of intoxicating drinks. A continuance of the total 
abstinence habits of the home was never infringed 
upon. The papers were loud in their denunciations of 
the curtailing of this whilom custom. But the Chris- 
tian American Nation rallied to the support of the 
President and his wife, and the good men do has lived 
after them. 

In the long line of the occupants of the White House, 
none finer can be found than President Hayes and wife. 
Both were possessed of elegant forms, intellectual fea- 
tures, erect, and healthy bodies, dignified and charming 
in manner and speech, to king and queen and potentate, 
as to the meanest dressed. Those who knew Mrs. 
Hayes were irresistibly drawn to her and gave her 
their deepest confidence. 

No purer administration ever blessed the American 
Government ; not violent, not offensively aggressive nor 
tumultuously progressive, but in a beneficent, healing 
and happy continuance in well-doing, they permeated 
the body politic with principles of right living. Every 
good had their encouragement and support. Mr. Hayes 
had not risen to the highest civic honor at the call of 
the people through any political chicanery, nor self- 
seeking efforts. He was a grand man whose ability 
and commanding powers ; whose strong moral equip- 
ment and undeviating principles made it possible for 
him to give the people a greatly successful adminis- 
tration. 

The Parting. 

"What is home without a mother? 
Surely no happier four years were passed in America 
than by this family at Fremont, Ohio. It had been the 



118 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES 

one desire that they might hie away, and with the buds 
and bees and leaves and trees forget for a time the 
strain of public life. Uncle Sardis Birchard had built 
the house in 1860, in the center of some thirty acres of 
woodland. Wide verandas surrounded a two-story 
brick dwelling. This quiet and intellectual retirement 
was often interrupted by the many social, charitable 
gatherings tendered this honored and happy couple 
beloved by all. 

On a soft June day, amid the scent of climbing roses, 
soft zephyrs and cooing of the white pigeous, Mrs. 
Hayes received a sudden message to "come up higher," 
mourned more sincerely by the humblest poor of her 
home town, Fremont, than by those who had known 
her in the splendor of the executive mansions of State 
and Nation. 

In Memoriam of a White-Ribboner. 

There's a hush at early morning, 
There's a lull at break of day, 

For, in holy transport dawning 
Comes a soul on earth to stay. 

Infant arms are thrown out pleading 
For support and rest, and play; 

Hence the world is not all seeming 
To Ohio's girls to-day. 

In a happy, helpful childhood 

She began that life to be 
Filled with earnest hopes for Woman 

In thy sacred walls "Wesley." 

Always modest and retiring, 

Firm and true to each and all; 
Spirits roused by her inspiring 
Now, her generous deeds recall. 



EUTHERFOBD BIECHAED HAYES H9 

She could listen to the story 

Of the needy and distressed, 
And extend a hand to help them 

And thereby, herself be blessed. 

She would lovingly reprove them 

Of their deeds of evil done; 
She would speak true words of comfort 

In the name of God's dear Son. 

She would praise the smallest effort 

Put forth in the Master's name. 
She has left a name unsullied 

In this land of Woman's fame. 

Nations boast of men of valor, 
Of their deeds of bravery done, 

Who in gorgeous human splendor 
Their grand earthly praise have won. 

We extol and love this woman 
Who, in halls of State and home 

Won the hearts of creatures human 
For her stars in heaven's bright dome. 

From our State to higher station 

She was called to take a part 
In the work of a free nation, 

Duties full for hand and heart. 

Nobly did she stand the pressure 
Of constant use and custom too; 

Knowing well the promised treasure 
Is but given to the true. 

Wine no more the White House graces, 
Back, and out the bowl must stand; 

Soon pure water them misplaces, 
In name of God and Native Land. 

Nobly lived this great White-ribboner, 

With the lowly and the great ; 
Showing by her wise endeavor 

Woman rules in home and State. 



120 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES 

Hark ! the choiring angels ringing 
Out their loud and joyous lays, 

As they welcome in with singing 
Our dear Lucy Webb Hayes. 

Mr. Hayes was bereft indeed, and mourned continu- 
ously and deeply for her presence. He was changed. 
He tried to continue his unostentatious and peaceful 
life; the chain had all parted; he became more ab- 
sorbed in his books, and longed for the time of his 
translation. 

Again the curtains of the home on Birchard Avenue 
are lowered. Scarcely four years had elapsed since 
the demise of Mrs. Hayes when neuralgia of the heart 
freed the spirit of her best beloved. He was surrounded 
by the sorrowing members of his family, and all that 
the most skillful medical aid could render was of no 
avail. 

Universal sorrow was felt and expressed. The 
President-elect, Grover Cleveland, the Governor of 
Ohio, William McKinley, together with a large number 
of noted Congressmen were present at the obsequies. 
Rev. Dr. Bashford delivered the funeral sermon. He 
spoke of him as a friend, true and tried. He had been 
intimate with Mr. Hayes in all his joys and sorrows. 

The remains were interred in the family lot in the 
pretty little graveyard of the M. E. Church, of Fre- 
mont. The grave is marked by a simple granite monu- 
ment, about eight feet in height, Vermont granite 
from the old home being employed in its manufacture. 
The twenty acres in the enclosures are well covered 
with numerous trees; over the grave are evergreens; 
enshrouding the remains of a life magnificent and in- 
spiring. 



CHRONOLOGY OF JAMES ABRAM GARFIELD, 

TWENTIETH PRESIDENT OF THE 

UNITED STATES. 

1831, Nov. 19, born at Orange, Ohio. 

1856, cast his first vote. 

1858, Nov. 11, married Lucretia Rudolph. 

1860, elected to the Ohio Senate. 

1861, entered the U. S. Army as Colonel of the 42d 

Ohio Regiment. 

1862, became a brigadier-general. 

1863, Dec. 3, took his seat in Congress. 

1880, elected president of the United States. 

1881, July 2, shot by an assassin in Washington, D. C. 
1881, Sept. 19, died at Long Branch, N. J., at the age 

of fifty years. 



121 



MEMORIAL. 

After the Bugle. 

What though the bugle notes be spent, 
And the reveille the air hath rent, 
Thy warfare's ended victorious one 
Thy last, sad battle fought and won; 
'Tis meet, that deeds like thine should rise 
A patriot's loftiest hymn of praise, 
Should linger ever in the heart, 
And make of life its richest part. 
Thy scars from bullet, shell or saber 
Are lost in death (our nearest neighbor), 
No hint of war or tumult now, 
Serene and peaceful is thy brow; 
Potomac's salt waves rise and fall, 
Antietam's horrors like a pall, 
O'er Libby cast its baneful spell, 
"While rings o'er braves a parting knell. 
The maimed, the halt, the piteous blind, 
Are brother-patriots, one in kind. 
We mourn thee, only lost to earth, 
Of jubilant strains there's now a dearth. 
! say not dead ! such can not die, 
Again they hear no bugle cry. 
They laid them down to death resigned, 
Happier than those they leave behind; 
Why hang the flags half-mast to-day, 
The hours prolong for time to pray? 

Rejoice, compatriots! they are spared 
Knowledge of war, where brave men dared 
To set their brothers from bondage free, 
While dear ones prayed their face to see. 
122 



JAMES ABRAM GARFIELD 123 

Heroes of Shiloh, and Mission Ridge, 
Of Lookout Mountain and Old Stone Bridge, 
Your swords hang idly on the wall 
Kissed by the soft light in the hall. 
While o'er the blouse, belt, cap and canteen 
Slants a halo of tear-drops from eyes unseen, 
What, though the chair be vacant now, 
Before the departed spirits we bow 
And feel an inward thrill that steals 
Full-fledged upon the heart that feels 
America's brave sons have passed 
Adown the valley, with full-rigged mast. 

Many peaceful ,happy years have fled 
And thousands are numbered with the dead. 
'Tis meet that flowers and tears must fall 
And song and story their deeds recall. 
O, call not back to strife and pain 
Comrades whose memories still remain 
Precious, though lost to mortal eyes, 
Sacred to bosoms, heaving with sighs; 
Vet'rans, indeed, whose struggles are o'er, 
Nor war, nor prison chafe them more. 

Old-time friend, is your pulse beating low ? 
Does the fire of the spirit too feebly glow? 
Let it tingle again through every morbid vein. 
By the old camp-fire 'till you feel again 
Like giving a cheery volunteer shout, 
And rejoice, they are in, and not cast out. 
Braves, be not morbid like some we see, 
Think of the Hand that set them free ; 
One small moment and they're more wise 
Than living men with scaled eyes. 

Weep not ! dear comrades ! conquer you must, 
Your hearts are true, your cause is just . 
On our coins see our motto "In God We Trust." 
Deck each place this closing year 



124 JAMES ABRAM GARFIELD 

'Twill help the widow's heart to cheer, 

Then turn aside, perchance to weep 

While loving hearts their vigils keep. 

Alas! that any should be sad. 

Shine! "Light of God" and make men glad. 

Shout hymns of praise 'tis Memorial morn. 

Let myrtle wreaths our friends adorn, 

While they lie covered with hoary frost and 

rime; 
Last year they kept with us this sacred time. 

Hark ! 'tis an echo from the far-away ; 
Stand to your colors forever and aye ! 
Though long your march and scant your fare 
There's rest and plenty "Over there." 
The bivouac's struck and taps are still; 
The reveille's sounded on Zion Hill. 
Weep not ! dear heart, but rise and sing 
Let the old-time songs ring and ring 
'Till the Bugle calls you up for duty, 
Kedeemed, resplendent in His beauty. 



"He accomplished what he did because he was willing fro 
work. He got his education because he was determined to 
have it, and was willing to work for it, and willing to sacri- 
fice for it. He was not afraid of manual labor, neither was 
he afraid of midnight oil. He would spend the day in hard 
labor on the tow-path or at the carpenter's bench, and then 
spend one-half the night in diligent study. He was willing to 
deny his wants that he might save from his scanty earnings 
and buy books, and hence it was that when he had reached 
his eighteenth year he discovered, with his quick powers of 
perception, that he had gained for himself one of the most 
important victories that it ever fell to his lot to achieve. He 
recognized and appreciated for all it was worth that he had 
acquired habits of industry and economy, stability of char- 
acter, and a taste for higher, wider and more important fields 
of usefulness whereby the way was prepared for his collegiate 
course and those illustrious successes that filled the world 
with his fame." 

— Senator J. B. Foraker. 



JAMES ABRAM GARFIELD 

Born, 1831, Nov. 19. Died, 1881, Sept. 19. 

Ancestry. 

The buckeye blossoms had long since faded and the 
brown nuts had fallen to the ground when a sturdy 
little lad opened his bright eyes in a little cabin in 
Orange Township, Cuyahoga County, Ohio. This cabin 
in the clearing was built of rude logs, its roof of rough 
clapboards split with an axe, and its floor of rude thick 
planking split out of tree-trunks with wedge and maul. 
It had only a single room, at one end of which was a 
cavernous chimney where the cooking was done, and 
at the other end the bed. The younger children slept 
in a trundle-bed, pushed under their parents' reel-post 
bed-stead during the day time ; the older ones climbed 
a ladder to the loft under the steep roof. 

125 



126 JAMES ABRAM GARFIELD 

The father of this young babe was of Scotch descent 
of a genial sunny temper, like many men of great 
physical strength. He was a natural leader, a great 
favorite with his associates, and master of the rude 
characters with whom he was thrown in his forest- 
clearing work, and his labors in building the Ohio canal. 
That canal in years to come was to play an important 
part in the life-history of his notable son, James. The 
mother was of Huguenot origin, descended from Ma- 
turin Ballou, who fled from France on the revocation 
of the Edict of Nantes, and with other French Protest- 
ants joined Roger Williams' colony in Rhode Island, 
the only American colony founded on the basis of full 
religious liberty. The gifts of eloquence, youthful en- 
thusiasm, wisdom and affection were undoubtedly 
derived by James A. Garfield from the Ballous, who 
were a race of preachers and authors. Such being the 
indomitable courage and perseverance of ancestry, it 
is no wonder it was again exemplified in the home-life 
of James A. Garfield. 

His father worked hard early and late to clear his 
land and plant and gather the crops. No man in all 
the settlement could wield an axe like he. Fenced 
fields soon took the place of the natural forest boun- 
daries, an orchard was planted, a barn built, and the 
family began to be full of hope for a prosperous future. 

On the second day of May, 1833, a fire broke out in 
the woods, and Abram Garfield, after heating his blood 
by exerting all his strength to beat back the flames, 
sat down in a heated condition, and the wind blowing 
cold upon his chest produced bronchitis, which resulted 
in his death. He felt his end near, and, pointing to the 
children, said: 



JAMES ABRAM GAEFIELD 127 

"Eliza, I have planted four saplings in the woods. I 
leave them in your care." 

He was buried in the corner of the wheat field, 
James, the baby, being only eighteen months old at 
that time. 

His Boyhood. 

For many years the farms of the Garfields and Boyn- 
tons were separated from the rest of the community. 
The nearest cabin was seven miles distant, and the only 
bit of life aside from his own fireside was the associa- 
tion with the children he met at the corner of the Gar- 
field farm, where the district school stood. Here at the 
early age of 4 years he conned his "Noah Webster's 
Spelling Book," and learned his "a — b, ab's." 

James was put to work on the farm very early. It 
was no uncommon sight to see his mother and the boys 
working side by side in the corn-field or potato patch. 
She spun the yarn, and wove the cloth, for their cloth- 
ing, sewed for the neighbors, knit stockings and colored 
them, too ; and even assisted the oldest boy to clear 
and fence the land. "She seeketh wool and flax and 
worketh willingly with her hands. She layeth her 
hand to the spindle. She stretcheth out her hand to 
the poor. Strength and honor are her clothing and she 
shall rejoice in time to come. Her children arise up 
and call her blessed." 

Amidst all this work and worry she found ample time 
to instill into the minds of her children the religious 
and moral maxims of her New England ancestry. Four 
chapters a day she read from her Bible. The conversa- 
tion at table was always of a moral tendency. Their 
guests were mostly traveling preachers ; and the talk of 



128 JAMES ABEAM GARFIELD 

the neighborhood, when not about crops, and farm 
labors, was usually religious topics. 

"When James found the larger boys disposed to insult 
and abuse the little fellows who had no fathers or big 
brothers to protect them, he immediately resented such 
imposition with all the force of a sensitive nature, 
backed by a rather violent temper, great physical cour- 
age and a strength unusual in one so young. Hence he 
was called "Fighting Jim." But being of a generous 
nature, he never began a quarrel, nor bore malice to 
any one. 

Many delightful memories were associated with this 
old school house ; it was abandoned for a new frame 
building, the purchase being made for a trifle by 
Thomas Garfield. He and James, with the help of their 
cousins, the Boynton boys, pulled it down and put 
it up again on a site a few rods in the rear of the Gar- 
field dwelling. 

When James was fourteen years of age the boys 
built their mother a small frame house, containing three 
rooms on the first floor and two under the roof. This 
they painted red. 

On The Farm. 

At the age of ten James often received employment 
in haying and harvesting seasons from the farmers of 
neighboring counties. At sixteen, in company with a 
boy older by two years than himself, he walked ten 
miles to Aurora in search of work. They offered their 
services to a farmer having several acres of hay to cut. 

"What wages do you expect?" asked the farmer. 

"Men's wages — a dollar a day," replied James Gar- 
field. 



JAMES ABRAM GARFIELD 129 

"Too young to earn full wages," replied the farmer. 

"Then let us mow by the acre," said his companion. 

The farmer agreed; the customary pay being fifty 
cents an acre. By four o 'clock the hay was cut, and the 
boys had earned a dollar apiece. Then the farmer en- 
gaged them for a fortnight. 

James was not discouraged at low wages, his greatest 
desire being to help his mother. His first regular 
wages were earned from a merchant who had an ashery 
where he leached ashes and made black salts which he 
shipped to New York. He received nine dollars a 
month, and his board ; soon his hair below his cap was 
bleached and colored by the fumes of the leaching 
ashes until it assumed a brilliant red hue. 

He endured this for two months, at the end of which 
time he agreed to chop one hundred cords of wood at 
fifty cents a cord for his uncle at Newberg. He was a 
good chopper and easily cut two cords a day. 

As a Boatman. 

The season for chopping does not last always, but 
Lake Erie is ever entrancing and enticing. The swiftly 
flying sails and the histories of the daring lives of the 
sailors fired the heart of young Garfield afresh, and re- 
newed the ambition in him to be a sailor. The books 
he read were the Bible, History of the United States, 
Plutarch's Lives, Robinson Crusoe, the Old English 
Reader, Life of Napoleon, Life of Marion, and sundry 
Tales of the Sea. The quiet and monotony of a cabin 
home only whets the appetite for a full and free reali- 
zation displayed in those sea-fights and adventures in- 
cident to the life of the seaman. 

In pursuance of a desire to be a sailor James walked 



130 JAMES ABEAM GARFIELD 

the distance of sixteen miles to Cleveland and boarded 
a schooner lying at the wharf, and told the captain his 
story. The impudence of the green country lad amazed 
the captain, a brutal, drunken fellow, and amid a 
shower of abuse and profanity, the boy quickly escaped. 
Walking up the river along the docks he heard his 
name called from the deck of a canal boat. Turning, he 
immediately recognized his cousin, Amos Letcher, the 
commander of the craft, who proposed to engage him 
to drive the horse on the tow-path. Hailing this as an 
excellent chance to learn something of navigation, pre- 
paratory to renewing his application for service on the 
lakes, he accepted the offer, and the promise of ten dol- 
lars a month and found. 

The next day the "Evening Star" started for Pitts- 
burgh with a cargo of copper wire. But the exposure 
was too much for the young steersman and he fell sick 
with a violent attack of ague. During this attack of 
sea-fever a great change came over him. To every man 
of great original will power, there comes, in early 
youth, a moment of sudden discovery — of self recogni- 
tion — when his own nature is revealed to himself, when 
he catches for the first time a strain of that immortal 
song to which his own spirit answers and which be- 
comes henceforth and forever the inspiration of his 
life. All his hard-earned money went for doctor's bills, 
and medicine, and yet it was not enough. 

After his recovery his mother dissuaded him from 
further boating, and like the mother of the immortal 
Washington in teaching him to master one passion 
stimulated another — that of study. He entered Geauga 
Academy, at Chester, and began a new career. The 
study of Pollok's "Course of Time" had made a deep 



JAMES ABRAM GARFIELD 13J 

impression on his mind, and inheriting a strong, reliant 
and convincing idea of his religious duties he never 
wavered, be the excitement never so high. 

All For An Education. 

The argument used by Mrs. Garfield to turn her boy's 
mind from his love of adventure on the water, was 
that while he was at school fitting himself for teaching 
by a few terms in school, he could teach during the 
winter, and sail summers, and thus be employed the 
year round. In this way she was ably assisted by the 
county school-master, a Free-Will Baptist minister. 

The academy was composed of one hundred pupils, 
was co-educational and to young Garfield's delight 
contained a library of one hundred and fifty volumes. 
There were more books than young Garfield had ever 
seen. Especial privileges were allowed this industrious 
young man by Daniel Branch, the principal of the 
school, and his able assistant, his estimable wife. At 
the end of the twelve weeks' term he returned to 
Orange and with cheerful spirit assisted his brother 
Thomas to build a barn for their mother, and work as a 
farm hand at haying and harvesting. 

When he returned to Chester in the fall he had one 
silver sixpence in his pocket. On the Sabbath he 
dropped this coin in the contribution box. 

He had made the acquaintance of Homan Wood- 
worth, the carpenter in the village, and having made 
arrangements to live at his house, he was provided with 
lodging, board, washing, fuel and light for one dollar 
and sixty cents a week, for which he was to assist the 
carpenter Saturdays and odd hours during school days. 
His first work was to get out siding at two cents a 



132 JAMES ABRAM GAEFIELD 

board. The first day he planed fifty-one boards, there- 
by earning one dollar and two cents, the most money 
for one day's work he had ever received. 

At the end of this term he had paid his way, bought 
a few books and returned home with eight dollars in 
his pocket. 

He was now considered competent to teach a school. 
After an unsuccessful tramp of two days through his 
native county he returned home wiiolly discouraged; 
fully determined that he would never again ask for a 
position of any sort, and the resolution was faithfully 
kept, for in all his after life every public position of 
trust sought the man, and not the man the place. 

Next morning his desponding heart was made to re- 
joice suddenly. He heard a man call to his mother 
from the road, "Widow Gaffield!" (A local corruption 
of the name Garfield.) "Where's your boy, Jim? I 
wonder if he wouldn't like to take our school at Lege." 

James eagerly consented, provided he could get the 
consent of his Uncle Amos Boynton, who had stood in 
the place of "father" to the Garfield children all these 
years. 

That evening there was a family council, the out- 
come of which was that James was to take the school. 
Said "Uncle Amos:" 

"You go and try it. You will go into that school 
the boy, 'Jim Garfield;' see to it that you come out 
Mr. Garfield, the schoolmaster." 

Easy work, was it? No, no, but he mastered the 
school after a hard tussle with\the bully of the district, 
who had broken up the school for two winters by his 
rowdyism. The boy had always resisted floggings and 
tried to brain the former teacher with a billet of wood. 



JAMES ABEAM GAEFIELD 133 

At the end of the three months' spring time, he had 
forty-eight dollars more money than had ever been in 
his possession before. The longed-for change had come 
to pass on his return the next winter to Chester, for he 
had now abandoned all idea of becoming a sailor. 

"While at the academy for a third term that winter he 
and his cousin, Henry, kept bachelor quarters. At the 
end of six weeks the boys found their expenses for 
food had reached the enormous sum of thirty-one cents 
a week for each. Henry concluded that such poor liv- 
ing was not conducive to good health, hence they each 
increased their outlay to fifty cents a week. 

James had looked upon a college course as something 
far beyond his reach, but he met a college graduate 
whose words inspired him. Said he: "Disabuse your 
mind of that false idea that only rich men's sons are 
able to take such a course. A poor boy can get through, 
but it will be a long pull and a hard pull ; but the four 
years' preparatory and four years' college course will 
be here and gone and then you will be the master." 

James was encouraged and inspired, and then and 
there decided that by working part of the time to earn 
money he could complete his course in the allotted time. 
This was the one over-mastering idea of his life, and he 
never swerved from it. 

He began the study of Latin, Philosophy, and Botany, 
alternating from school-teaching to studying, until in 
August, 1851, he arrived at Hiram College. He lived in 
a room with four other pupils, studied harder than 
ever; success firmly anchored in his mind, he knew no 
such word as fail. For two years he shut the whole 
world out of his mind, knowing nothing of politics, 



134 JAMES ABRAM GAEFIELD 

reading no light literature, engaging in no social recre- 
ations that took his mind off his books. 

In the spring of 1854 he wrote to the presidents of 
Yale, Brown and Williams Colleges, telling his desires 
and detailing his course of study, and asked, "What 
can I do to pass a satisfactory examination in it?" All 
three wrote that he could enter the junior year. Presi- 
dent Hopkins, of Williams, in his openheartedness 
added, "If you come here, we shall do what he can 
for you." 

Ever responsive to a kindness he decided to go to 
Williams. In doing this he accepted the wider culture 
and broader opportunities of the New England college 
in preference to that of Disciples College, at Bethany, 
Virginia, which represented the principles he had 
chosen as the guide for his religious life. 

He had saved about three hundred dollars while 
teaching at Hiram. With this money he hoped to finish 
the year with credit to himself. 

He attended the recitations of the sophomores in 
order to familiarize himself with the methods of the 
professors before attempting the test of an examination 
for the junior year. The examination was passed with- 
out trouble. Being self-taught his knowledge of books 
was thorough. 

During the summer vacation, he employed his time 
in the library with its ever expanding and increasing 
delights. He had no time previous to this to indulge 
in general reading, but now those few extracts from 
Shakespeare read by him in his school readers were 
fitted in their proper places in the volumes themselves 
and rich treats he found there ; books which he raven- 
ously read from cover to cover. 



JAMES ABEAM GAEFIELD 135 

From miscellaneous reading he began the study of 
English history and poetry. Tennyson pleased him 
best. James took delight in the study of Latin and 
Greek, and took up German as an extra study until he 
could read Goethe and Schiller fluently. 

He entered into the literary debates of the college 
with all the zeal of a literary enthusiast, and during 
his last year became one of the editors of "The Will- 
iams Quarterly,'' a college paper of a high order of 
merit. 

During the winter vacation of two months in 1854 
Mr. Garfield was employed in teaching a writing-school 
at North Pownal, Vermont. He wrote a bold, hand- 
some and legible hand, one that was strongly indi- 
vidual, one that was the envy of all the girls and boys. 
The term closed in June and he returned to Ohio and 
visited his mother, who was living in Solon. 

Once again he was without money, but he hit upon 
a plan which appealed to his sense of justice so strongly 
that he consented to adopt it. 

He insured his life, assigning the policy as security 
for a loan. His neighbor, Dr. Robinson, assumed the 
obligation. Garfield gave his note for the loan, re- 
garding the transaction as on a fair business basis, 
knowing that if he lived, he would pay the money, 
but in the event of his death his creditor, Dr. Robin- 
son, would be secure. This sympathetic manner and 
confidence in the justice of deeds, helped him to ad- 
vancement. 

He had a peculiar way of shaking hands, too, giving 
a twist to your arm and gently drawing you right up 
to him. His meanest pupils felt this, and instinctively 
were drawn closer up to him. He called all the boys 



136 JAMES ABEAM GAEFIELD 

and girls by their first names no matter how old they 
might be. He was on the most familiar terms with all. 
Yet he was a most strict disciplinarian, never allowing 
an offender to escape until he convinced him of the 
justice of his punishment. He was left handed; that, 
however, was no advantage to the hoodlums who 
writhed with him, for it did not imply any weakness 
in his right arm and hand. 

His mother being a school-teacher before him, and 
also the first teacher her four children had known, she 
inspired in them a thirst for knowledge and made of 
them refined, intellectual characters, intensely, devot- 
edly religious. 

Though below the medium height she had inherited 
a vast amount of toughness and courage, and even a 
constant flow of cheerfulness, while at the same time 
she and her youngest born dared and endured all 
things rather than surrender their convictions of faith 
and duty. Hence, his eminent success in teaching, 
which soon placed him at the head of the college, 
abounding and running over with the freshness and 
exuberance of mental, moral and physical vitality, a 
reflection of the warm glow of his own eventful life 
at the age of twenty-four. 

This boy from the log hut in the "Wilderness," now 
called the Western Reserve, was climbing the rugged 
pathway to the White House. Before his graduation 
the trustees of Hiram Eclectic Institute elected him 
teacher of ancient languages, and on his return to Ohio 
the position was awaiting him. 



JAMES ABEAM GAKFIELD 13^ 

As a Preacher. 

Before entering college, he had united with the 
Disciples church, in which he had been brought up, 
and according to the usage of that denomination, 
though not formally ordained to the ministry he often 
preached. His fame as a lay preacher extended 
throughout the counties of Portage, Summit, Trumbull 
and Geauga, and he was often sent for to preach to 
struggling congregations in adjoining towns. 

While at Chester there was among the students a 
young lady of highly respectable family, named Lu- 
cretia Rudolph. Garfield was not long in discovering 
that kindred tastes and aspirations strengthened the 
friendship begun in the class-recitations, and the 
hearts that beat as one were betrothed. This was in 
the year 1854. They parted promising fidelity to each 
other, waiting patiently until the "Good Father" 
should crown his expanding ambition with success. 

First Vote. 

The boys talked of him at home and their parents 
wanted to hear this athletic teacher, preacher, law 
student and politician speak on the stump. 

His first appearance was at a big meeting at Akron, 
where his name was put on the bills below that of 
Salmon P. Chase and other noted Ohioans. From that 
time a friendship sprang up between this great anti- 
slavery leader and the young politician, which en- 
dured unbroken until Mr. Chase's death. 

At the age of twenty-five years he cast his first 
vote for John C. Fremont. 

His debate at Garretsville with Alphonso Hart had 



138 JAMES ABEAM GARFIELD 

attracted considerable local attention, but his speech 
at Akron launched him out, first throughout his native 
state and then the nation. 

The Republican District Convention nominated him 
for State Senator for Summit and Portage counties, 
and in the fall of 1859 he was elected by a satisfactory- 
majority. 

There were ominous mutterings of trouble to come 
in the affairs of the nation, but this young member 
from the Senate of Ohio, barely twenty-eight years of 
age, met the occasion when the demand came for men 
of fire and courage born of strong conviction and 
would stand to these convictions in spite of all odds. 

"The Radical Triumvirate" was composed of such 
men from Ohio as J. D. Cox, James Monroe and James 
Abram Garfield. These men directed public sentiment 
and made ready for national defense with methodical 
precision. 

On March 4, 1861, Abraham Lincoln was inaugur- 
ated President of the United States. In his address 
to Congress he said: "In your hands, my dissatisfied 
fellow-countrymen, and not in mine, is the momentous 
issue of civil war. The government will not assail you. 
You can have no conflict without being yourselves the 
aggressors. You have an oath registered in heaven to 
destroy the Government, while I shall have the most 
solemn one — to preserve, protect and defend it." 

In Time of War. 

There was no more stalwart or conscientious sup- 
porter of this doctrine than James Abram Garfield, 
and when the firing of the Sumter gun reverberated 
through the land, none was more anxious to defend 



JAMES ABRAM GAEFIELD 139 

the Flag than this industrious advocate of liberty to 
all men, irrespective of caste or color. 

Ohio voted a loan of three million dollars and a 
force of two thousand men. Her troops went forth 
promptly, although not in as effective condition as 
those of some of the Eastern States. 

In August, 1861, James A. Garfield was appointed 
Lieutenant-Colonel of the 42d Regiment Ohio Volun- 
teers, though no such regiment was in existence, and 
in September, Colonel; that latter honor he had de- 
clined previously in favor of a "West Pointer, who was 
an officer of experience. He preferred to act as sec- 
ond; but on the 5th of September, a commission as 
Colonel was given to him. In forty-eight hours his 
first company was filled with students from his beloved 
Hiram, who left their books to follow their fighting 
teacher, knowing that their faithful friend would be 
a strong defense. 

During all this time he continued his studies, having 
taken up the study of law at Cleveland on the event 
of his marriage. During all the excitement of the 
war preparations he had continued his law studies, and 
was admitted to the Ohio bar in 1861. He had laid a 
broad and deep basis of an exceptionally good legal 
education, which was to stand for him in the trying 
moments of judiciary affairs. Writing to a friend he 
said: 

"I have had a curious interest in watching the pro- 
cess in my own mind, by which the fabric of my life is 
being demolished and re-constructed, to meet the new 
condition of affairs." 

"One by one my old plans and aims, modes of 
thought and feeling, are found to be inconsistent with 



140 JAMES ABRAM GARFIELD 

present duty, and are set aside to give place to the 
new structure of military life. 

"It is not without a regret almost tearful, at times, 
that I look upon the ruins. But if, as the result of the 
broken plans and shattered individual lives of thou- 
sands of American citizens, we can see, on the ruins 
of our national errors, a new and enduring fabric arise, 
based on larger freedom and higher justice, it will be 
a small sacrifice indeed. For myself, I am contented 
with such a prospect, and, regarding my life as given 
to my country, am only anxious to make as much as 
possible of it before the mortgage upon it is fore- 
closed." 

As a Colonel. 

Colonel Garfield had begun his acquaintance with 
military tactics in his own room, his campanies and 
regiments he represented by sets of blocks. He organ- 
ized his officers into a military school, using these 
wooden dummies and requiring daily exercise with 
them. Each day rank and file were drilled from six to 
eight hours, and when the 42d Regiment Ohio Volun- 
teers was reviewed it was pronounced one of the best 
conditioned regiments of Ohio Volunteers. 

On the 15th of December, 1861, the 42d was ordered 
to Catlettsburg, Ky., by way of Cincinnati. It was 
made the occasion of an ovation, Governor Dennison 
making it memorable by the presentation of an elegant 
standard, the gift of the students of the Electic In- 
stitute. 

His orders were to send on his regiment and report 
in person to General D. C. Buell, one of the ablest offi- 
cers then in command. Maps and papers were given 
him and be was bidden to report his study the next 
morning ; the next morning was Sunday ; notwithstand- 



JAMES ABEAM GAEFIELD 141 

ing Colonel Garfield presented himself before the Gen- 
eral well worn out with his all night's study. 

General Buell went over the plan step by step, at 
the close of which, he said: 

"Colonel Garfield, your orders will be sent to your 
hotel at six o'clock this evening." 

The orders were most extraordinary. Colonel Gar- 
field was placed in command of the 18th Brigade of 
the Army of Ohio, consisting of four regiments of in- 
fantry and eight battalions of cavalry, also forty-four 
hundred infantry, sixteen hundred cavalry and twelve 
pieces of artillery; this to an officer who had never 
heard a shot in battle, without military education, and 
in the face of a hostile people, against an enemy whose 
strength and resources could only be imagined, was 
to say the least, remarkable. But Garfield, without 
protest, obeyed, carrying with him the words: 

"Colonel, you will be at so great a distance from me, 
and communication will be so slow and uncertain, that 
I shall commit all matters of detail, and much of the 
fate of the campaign, to your discretion. I shall hope 
to have a good report of you." 

The Confederate forces of five thousand men, under 
Humphrey Marshall, were out-maneuvered, out-gen- 
eraled, and beaten January 10, 1861, at the battle of 
Middle Creek. 

Ten days later it was followed by the battle of Mill 
Springs, where General Geo. H. Thomas defeated the 
Confederate forces under General Zollicoffer. 

Colonel Garfield was commissioned Brigadier-Gen- 
eral, the youngest officer of that rank in the entire 
army, being only thirty-three years of age, the time 



142 JAMES ABEAM GARFIELD 

dating from the victory at Middle Creek, and ordered 
to join Buell. 

At Abingdon, Virginia, the troops were almost out 
of rations and the rough country incapable of supply- 
ing their wants. The Colonel had gone down to the 
mouth of the Big Sandy River. He ordered a steamer 
to be loaded with supplies, whereupon the captain and 
pilot refused to handle the boat, and he took his place 
at the wheel. Finally the sixty feet of water began 
to increase, and the steamer making a sudden lurch, 
was driven with a full head of steam into the quick- 
sand of the bank. Garfield ordered a boat to be low- 
ered to take a line to the opposite bank — no one was 
willing to risk their lives in the flood. 

The Colonel leaped into the boat himeslf, and against 
wind and tide finally succeeded in rigging a windlass 
with sails sufficiently powerful to draw the vessel off 
and set her afloat, Garfield standing at the helm forty- 
eight consecutive hours. 

When they reached the camp they were welcomed 
with tumultuous cheering. Orders were received to 
hasten to Louisville. His command had already 
pushed on to join Grant in the second day's battle at 
Shiloh, and helped to win the hard-fought victory. He 
was on active duty around Corinth, in 1862. He 
reached the field at Pittsburg Landing about one 
o'clock on the second day of the battle. 

Ague Again. 

On the first of August he was sent home on sick- 
leave, having succumbed to ague consequent to ex- 
posure in the malarious districts of the South. 

!While still ill in bed, an expression of high esteem 



JAMES ABEAM GARFIELD 143 

in which he was held was cemented by orders sent 
from the Secretary of War, to proceed to Cumberland 
Gap and relieve General Geo. W. Morgan of his com- 
mand. 

Early in January he was ordered out to General 
Rosecrans. He soon became an intimate associate and 
confidential adviser of his chief. Of the six months 
Rosecrans lay at Murfreesboro, Garfield remained with 
him five. 

The War Department demanded an advance. Out 
of the seventeen generals not one was in favor of an 
immediate advance. Garfield stood absolutely alone 
in his argument against any delay. Notwithstanding, 
he collated the seventeen letters (the old adage, "a 
council of war never fights") sent by as many officers, 
fairly reported their substance, coupled with his own 
true conviction in favor of an immediate advance. 

This report is pronounced to be the ablest military 
document ever submitted by a Chief of Staff to his 
superior during the war. Twelve days after the re- 
ception of his report the army moved. 

This campaign, perfect in conception, excellent in 
general execution, was only hindered in its complete 
destruction of Bragg 's army by the delay which had 
postponed the commencement of the rash and fatal 
Tullahoma campaign. 

Garfield's Ride. 

On February 25, 1863, he was ordered to the Army 
of the Cumberland. General Rosecrans records that 
at the close of all, when the right wing under his own 
command was shattered, and the left, or centre, under 



144 JAMES ABEAM GARFIELD 

General Thomas, was known to be hard pressed; a 
series of six orders was made out by him. The sixth 
order read: 

"General Thomas must be seen as to the condition 
of the battle, and be informed as to these disposi- 
tions." 

General Rosecrans turned to his chief of staff and 
asked: 

"General Garfield, can you not give these orders?" 

"General," said Garfield, "there are so many of 
them I fear I might make some mistake; but, I can 
go to General Thomas for you, see how things are, and 
tell him what you will do, and report to you." 

"Very well," said General Rosecrans. "Go by 
Sheridan and Davis and tell them what I wish; then 
go to Thomas and telegraph me the situation." 

Garfield rode away in company with a mere squad 
of cavalry. It was a hazardous journey, through miles 
of shot and shell and greater difficulties, in the hope of 
rescue to an all but lost army. But, obedience was 
paramount, and, although his way was often blocked 
by broken-down army wagons, impeded ofttimes by 
the mad rush of wounded, maddened horses, the help- 
less flocking of retreating soldiers by the rough and 
rocky ground, grown over by woods and bushes, by 
the useless but necessary detours to avoid capture by 
the rapidly-advancing enemy; all the while the horses 
reared and pinged at the swish of the spent balls and 
screeching, burning fragments of bursting shells. 

One of the escorts was wounded close by his side, 
and they all narrowly escaped death or capture. One 
horse was killed under Garfield, but another was soon 



JAMES ABRAM GARFIELD 145 

supplied. But he carried the first news to Thomas 
which that officer had received of the disaster on the 
right, and gave the important information by which 
he was enabled to extricate his command. 

At seven o'clock that evening in company with 
General Gordon Granger a salute of six Napoleon guns 
was fired after the last of the retreating assailants. 
They were the last shots of the Battle of Chicamauga, 
and the remnant of the United States troops was mas- 
ter of the field. 

When the news reached Washington of Garfield's 
memorable ride, President Lincoln ordered a commis- 
sion be made out to James Abram Garfield as Major- 
General, to date from the nineteenth of September, 
1863, for his gallant and meritorious conduct in the 
great battle that was fought so well — but that was 
lost. 

General Rosecrans made the following statement 
before he was superseded by General Grant : 

"All my staff merited my warm approbation for 
ability and devotion to duty; but I am sure they will 
not consider it invidious if I especially mention Brig- 
adier General Garfield, ever active, prudent and saga- 
cious. I feel much indebted to him for both counsel 
and assistance in the administration of this army. He 
possesses the energy and instinct of a great com- 
mander." 

News like this travels fast, and when "Old Josh Gid- 
dings," the sturdy pioneer of anti-slavery sentiments 
was removed by death in the autumn of 1862, his for- 
mer constituents called upon James A. Garfield, their 
once mule-driver on the Ohio Canal, to represent the 
Nineteenth Congressional District. 



146 JAMES ABRAM GARFIELD 

As a Representative. 

He would not leave his military duties to stump the 
district. 

At all events he was elected November, 1862, a 
Member of Congress from the Nineteenth District of 
Ohio. 

President Lincoln used powerful arguments to in- 
duce Garfield to surrender higher pay, and the pros- 
pect of future promotion for that of a hard-working 
member of Congress. Garfield yielded to Lincoln's 
importunities December 5, 1863, and took his seat on 
the seventh day of the same month in the Thirty- 
eighth Congress, at the age of forty-eight years. 

On January 14, 1864, he made his first speech ; from 
that hour it was acknowledged that the new member 
from Ohio had at once secured a prominent place. His 
improved power of speech and readiness in complete 
debate, and his intimate knowledge of Constitutional 
law and parliamentary ruling, coupled with his studies 
in French and German expanded with each, defense 
and eulogy. 

The Dark Day. 

On the fifteenth of April, 1865, the country from sea 
to sea waited in utter bewilderment as well as sorrow, 
for the news had spread far and wide that Abraham 
Lincoln had been foully assassinated at Ford's Thea- 
ter by the hand of an actor, John Wilkes Booth. Wall 
Street and Broadway were crowded with an enraged 
populace, waiting for some one to say the word. At 
the head of a flight of granite steps, there stood a tall, 
strong, noble-looking gentleman, with hand raised, 
bespeaking silence. 



JAMES ABEAM GARFIELD 147 

It was James A. Garfield, Member of Congress from 
Ohio, a personal friend of the lamented president. A 
listening silence swept over the infuriated crowd, and 
in a deep, clear, manly voice, musical with intense 
emotion, he spoke: 

"Fellow Citizens: 'Clouds and darkness are round 
about Him ; Justice and Judgment are the establish- 
ment of His throne; Mercy and Truth shall go before 
His face ! 

"Fellow Citizens: God reigns and the Government 
at Washington still lives." 

The tumult was quelled with these words of courage 
and confidence. 

Abroad. 

General Garfield worked hard in committee rooms 
and on the floor of the House, at the same time devot- 
ing many hours to his studies in French and German. 
On the thirteenth day of July, 1867, he, in company 
with his wife, sailed from New York on the steamer 
City of London." His diary records events of a quiet 
nature, on the voyage, land being sighted on the twen- 
ty-fourth on the coast of England at the city of Ply- 
mouth. 

One regret paramount was that expressed at his 
limited acquaintance with the works of Shakespeare, 
and no more thoughtful or instructive day was spent 
by Mr. and Mrs. Garfield than that spent by them at 
Stratford-on-Avon. It greatly stimulated the desire to 
honor the bard whose works should be his study on his 
return. 

Two months were consumed in sight-seeing in and 
out of churches, palaces and places of historic interest. 



148 JAMES ABEAM GAEFIELD 

Happy days were spent in Scotland, at Edinburgh, 
Melrose, and in memory of Burns and Scott, Abbots- 
ford, Glasgow, Leith and Ayrshire were visited. Thence 
they went to Holland, up the Rhine, through Switzer- 
land, Paris and Rome; thence back to London, weary 
and foot-sore. On the fourteenth of October, 1867, 
they took the return passage for home in the "Hel- 
vetia." 

The impeachment of Andrew Johnson, then acting 
president, was the remaining work of the Congress. 
Garfield voted with his party, at the same time re- 
marking that he "was trying to be a radical without 
being a fool." 

In 1873, charges of corruption were made against 
him in relation to the "Credit Mobilier." These ex- 
cited earnest attention, especially in the Nineteenth 
Congressional District. He defended himself before 
his constituents in a pamphlet, as well as in personal 
speeches. 

The charges were renewed two years later, but were 
met with greater strength. 

After Rutherford B. Hayes' election he was sent by 
his friend and fellow-statesman, Governor Hayes, to 
witness the counting of the votes in Louisiana, as hav- 
ing been one of two Republican members appointed by 
the House of Representatives to sit on the electoral 
commission. 

In December, 1876, he was nominated by his party 
for Speaker of the House, and received the same nom- 
ination on two subsequent occasions. The years 1877- 
79 were busy ones ; speeches were made advocating 
the resumption of specie payment, also on the pro- 
tective tariff and the sugar tariff. 



JAMES ABRAM GAEFIELD 149 

On the thirteenth of January, 1880, the Legislature 
of Ohio gave him a most cordial and telling election 
to the Senate of the United States. 

Nomination for President. 

The Republican National Convention met at Chi- 
cago, June 5, 1880. Over twenty thousand people from 
all the States and Territories packed the Exposition 
Building. Great numbers of delegates came several 
days in advance in order that the preliminary work of 
the convention might meet with no disaster. Not often 
has such a feeling of feverish interest in a nomination 
been felt by the masses of the people. 

The supporters of the third-term movement assumed 
the name of "Stalwarts," claiming to be the core of 
the Republican party. 

The first ballot stood: 

Grant 304 

Blaine 284 

Sherman 79 

Edmonds 34 

Washburn 30 

Windom 10 

General Garfield's name was not named in the first 
ballot. His State had another candidate. Garfield was 
at the head of the Ohio delegation to do his best for 
his old friend, John Sherman, whose name he pre- 
sented in an eloquent speech. He fought hard for 
Sherman, preventing in his inimitable manner the con- 
vention from breaking out into open discord. 

On the second ballot one vote was cast for Garfield, 



150 JAMES ABEAM GAEFIELD 

but on the thirty-fourth ballot the State of "Wisconsin 
announced thirty-six voted for Garfield. On the thir- 
ty-sixth ballot all the delegates who had voted for 
Blaine and Sherman transferred them to Garfield, as 
their States were called, until there were three hun- 
dred and ninety-nine, twenty-one more than was need- 
ful for nomination. The vote for Grant had not 
changed, but his supporters had no objection to Gar- 
field, and hastily acquiesced in the motion to make his 
nomination unanimous, with Chester A. Arthur for 
Vice-President. 

General Garfield was taken altogether by surprise. 
He hastily withdrew from the hall and absolutely re- 
fused to address the convention, saying, "It was no 
time for imprudent platform oratory." 

Contrary to custom, he delivered speeches in* his 
own behalf, and was elected President by two hun- 
dred and fourteen to one hundred and fifty-five on the 
electoral vote. 

An extract from the eulogy upon General Garfield, 
February 27, 1882, by James G. Blaine, shows the esti- 
mation in which he was held : 

"When the history of this period shall be impar- 
tially written; when war legislation, measure or re- 
construction, protection of human rights, amendments 
to the Constitution, maintenance of public credit, steps 
toward specie payment, resumption, true theories of 
revenue, may be unsurrounded by prejudice and dis- 
connected from partisanship, the speeches of Garfield 
will be estimated at their true value." 

As President Hayes and the president-elect entered 
the same carriage to be driven to the Capitol, all the 



JAMES ABEAM GARFIELD 151 

Ohio men declared that in the entire portrait gallery 
of the Presidents none finer-looking could be seen. 

Now for the third time in succession Ohio had given 
one of her sons to the Nation. Each had been one of 
the ''Captains," had won fame on the battlefield, also 
proving themselves able statesmen as well. James A. 
Garfield wore his honors as fitting a son of the Buckeye 
State. By the General Assembly of his native State 
he had been elected to a seat in the Senate, the young- 
est of them all, but the Nation now called him to a 
higher position. No younger general ever entered the 
army. His three years in the army and his service in 
the House of Representatives had made him an earn- 
est student of the resources of the Government. An 
inexhaustible fund of knowledge of international law, 
finance, taxation, manufactures and commerce, and a 
thorough study of tariff made him a power in the Na- 
tion. His fine physique, massive head and resonant 
voice commanded the attention of thinking people, and 
won a place for him everywhere. 

No day was too long for him, for each hour found 
him in earnest study, for this peer of men must strive 
if he would win. His home at Mentor was the Repub- 
lican Mecca from which he went forth with the popu- 
lar affection stamped upon his canvass, making it an 
ovation due solely to his great popularity. 

Section 3-3 of the Constitution plainly sets forth : 

"No person shall be a senator who shall not have 
attained to the age of thirty years, and been nine 
years a citizen of the United States, and who shall not, 
when elected, be an inhabitant of that State for which 
he shall be chosen." 

The campaign was remarkable for several reasons. 



152 JAMES ABEAM GAEFIELD 

This was the first time that every presidential elector 
was chosen by popular vote. It had never been known 
previous to this time that every electoral vote was 
counted as it was cast. There was no agitation of the 
Southern question. All parties were a unit on the anti- 
Chinese legislation. 

Had not this great man, this good man, a kingly man 
in both mind and heart, risen from the cabin in the 
buckeye clearing to the highest place in the gift of a 
nation, whose sons, through personal struggle and 
trial, hard labor, persistent study, and this chosen one 
by his religious devotion, and national discipline and 
field service was to show to the world how by his com- 
mon-folk simplicity, his heartiness, genuineness and 
deep humility and frankness, could be an American 
whose honors sat on him well. 

"With these warmest of personal friendships he went 
forth to execute the law which had been made by the 
people, for the people in the face of internal dissen- 
sion. The Republican party was not a unit on method. 
This "close corporation" or "machine" method was 
a menace to the perfecting of the union of elements so 
essential to the right conduct of affairs. He believed 
himself able with God's help to reunite these factions, 
and by readjustment to so order affairs that these 
malcontents would see the justice of harmony and save 
the Government. 

March 4, 1881. 

From the cabin he had been elevated to the highest 
civic position in the gift of the American people. What 
prouder day for any mother than that! "And her 
children shall arise up and call her blessed," and the 



JAMES ABRAM GARFIELD 153 

people shall bear testimony of the same. The crown- 
ing act of James A. Garfield's life was when, after he 
had taken the oath of office, in deep humility, with a 
heart fired with filial affection, and in the presence of 
the whole world, he turned and kissed his mother and 
his wife. 

This day, long to be remembered in the events of the 
Republic, was pregnant with omens of an auspicious 
future. But, alas, poltical complications soon dark- 
ened the public horizon; dark forebodings of dissen- 
tions in the Republican party soon took shape in the 
two wings of the constituency, namely, the "Stal- 
warts," who claimed rights accorded in former admin- 
istrations, under the name of patronage by Senators 
and Representatives of those States in Congress, and 
the "Half-breeds," indorsed by the President and led 
by Mr. Blaine, who had control of the Government, 
and were numerically stronger than their opponents. 

The President insisted on naming the officers in the 
various States according to his knowledge and wishes, 
and what he considered the best for the State, to pre- 
vent, if possible, any injurious disturbance which would 
be inimical to liberty and stability of the nation. 

The Assassin's Bullet. 

Had not the bullet of the dastardly assassin laid him 
low? The sultry sun sent his scorching heat over the 
city of Washington just five months from his triumph- 
al inauguration. Mrs. Garfield had just recovered from 
a late illness, and was to join her husband at New 
York on her way from Long Branch. Senator Blaine 
drove over to the White House and accompanied the 
President to the depot. Always promptly on time, the 



154 JAMES ABEAM GARFIELD 

two gentlemen remained in the carriage fully a half 
hour before the arrival of the train. 

At the first sound of the in-coming train they has- 
tened through the ladies' waiting-room, wholly uncon- 
scious of a wiry-looking serpent lurking in the shadow. 
Arm in arm these friends passed on, but not quickly 
enough to pass this villain, who, darting up behind the 
President, fired a death-dealing shot. Re-cocking his 
pistol he fired a second time. The President fell wound- 
ed unto death. 

Mr. Blaine sprang forth and seized the assailant, 
who made but a faint resistance. The attendants in 
the waiting-room ran immediately to the President's 
assistance, and held up his head. An improvised bed 
was quickly prepared, a physician summoned and the 
mortally wounded man conveyed to the White House. 
Mrs. Garfield was immediately summoned, and then 
followed long weary days of pain and anxiety. 

When Dr. Sunderland rushed to the depot, he said: 

"Mr. President, you are in the hands of the God 
you have long trusted, and I say to you that the heart 
of this whole people will go out to God in prayer that 
you may be spared." 

The President calmly replied: "I know it, Doctor. 
I believe in God, and trust myself in his hands." 

The whole nation was shocked. His dispatches to his 
wife spoke in simple eloquence the patient and chival- 
ric abnegation of self; his unfaltering manliness ap- 
pealed powerfully to the best feeling of the American 
heart. At no time in his active life had he displayed 
greater nobility and more touching simplicity, or solid 
excellence of his personal character than when in the 
throes of death he shines forth every inch a man. The 



JAMES ABEAM GARFIELD 155 

public heart turned with unbounded admiration 
changed to ardent and anxious affection when, nearing 
the end of his eighty days of suffering, he firmly re- 
plied to his physician: 

''Then we will go in on that chance. I am not afraid 
to die, but I will try to live," said he, "to live." 

But the "Sun of Eternity" still shone in the hearts 
of the American people. Swift justice strikes down 
the assailant, but the sufferer must be relieved and 
taken where the sea-breeze could fan his blanched 
cheek. So Elberon, N. J., was chosen. 

The "dark Fourth of July" was one never to be 
forgotten. All the hot August days alternating in re- 
ports of "about the same," a "little easier," then "not 
so well," and lastly the report that James A. Garfield 
had been "mustered in" on September 19, 1881, at 
half -past ten o'clock, the anniversary of the Battle of 
Chickamauga, in which President Garfield had won. 

The "watch-maker" of the universe had stopped one 
more clock. 

When Abraham Lincoln (The First American), our 
revered martyr was shot down, James A. Garfield spoke 
the immortal words: 

"God is not dead and the Government at Washing- 
ton still lives." 

So let us say nothing suffers so long as the people 
are true to their motto, "In God We Trust." The 
nation is broad, various, strong and immovable. Our 
Father's God is ours. 

In our land of a Democratic-Republican people our 
women are educated for domesticity and propriety. 
Mrs. Lucretia Garfield was a worthy successor to Mrs. 
Hayes, that model in the home and in public station 



156 JAMES ABEAM GARFIELD 

to which she was called "a Lady of the White House." 
Though a woman invariably cheerful with confiding 
friendship and a thoughtful tendency uniformly 
bright, pensive, yet mirthful, with her best beloved; 
radiant, yet calm, absolutely ungrudging and of an 
unselfish spirit; a woman whose love was so perfect 
that heaven-born melodies radiated from her ieatures, 
and when sorrow came the very thought of good was 
all planned by a higher intelligence, and the sympathy 
that brought her husband to her in her illness rebound- 
ed, and everything was sacrificed to this great love. 
Differing much, she was none the less a meet com- 
panion to her worthy husband. Death had almost 
claimed her for its victim, when she was met by her 
husband's peril. 

His venerable mother, whose chief joy in her declin- 
ing years was the thought of her boy's honors and ex- 
alted position, suddenly darkened in death's eclipse, 
was completely prostrated. One of her greatest treas- 
ures was the last letter written by him. 

Last Letter Ever Written by James A. Garfield : 
Washington, D. C, Aug. 11, 1881. 

"Dear Mother: 

Don't be disturbed by conflicting reports about my 
condition. It is true I am still weak and on my back, 
but I am gaining every day, and need only time and 
patience to bring me through. 

"Give my love to all the relatives and friends, es- 
pecially to sisters Hetty and Mary." 
Your loving son, 

James A. Garfield. 
"Mrs. Elizabeth Garfield, 
Hiram, Ohio." 



JAMES ABRAM GARFIELD 157 

His best beloved said there was no promotion left 
for her beloved but for God to call him higher. He 
received that promotion. He believed in immortality 
not only of the soul but of the body, and that the 
grave would give up its dead. 

He was sent to Washington weighing two hundred 
and ten pounds, and returned to the same eighty 
pounds. 

Three hundred thousand people mourned his death; 
grand, bright and brilliant man. In reason he speaks 
and in example lives. "Was he not the son of the King ; 
at whose footstool he had knelt night and morning, 
seeking guidance for the events of each day? 

All over the land poor men cried, "Our hero has 
been slain." It was inexpressively sad as well as pecu- 
liarly thrilling. 

By the shores of the blue waters of Lake Erie, in 
sight of the very spot where stood the log cabin in 
which he was born, within an hour's ride of the house 
and farm he loved so well, lies one of the most beloved 
and honored men within the circuit of the sun. 

The national flag clings to its staff, heavy with the 
badge of mourning and wet with tears. God's provi- 
dence controls the wills of men. 

It is a noteworthy fact that every President who 
has died in office has been one upon whom the heart 
of the nation was peculiarly resting with confidence in 
his wisdom. 

The soldiers recognized in him a man who was great- 
hearted, great-brained and generous. He had a cordial, 
earnest grasp of the hand; it made of him a life-long 
friend. He entered the army without the slightest 
military training. In the service one and a half years 



158 JAMES ABRAM GARFIELD 

he was Chief of Staff of the Army of the Cumberland. 

Disbanded armies returned to their civic occupa- 
tions without a murmur. The sovereignty of this coun- 
try rests with the people. His work passed out of his 
hand; it belongs now to the age and the people for 
whom it was accomplished, and being deserving goes 
on belonging to future ages and future people, becom- 
ing to all generations yet unborn a never-failing source 
of wonderment and interest ; and what of the life ? It 
has a mysterious attraction, radiating from its affec- 
tional gentleness, all powerful angelic spirit, obedience, 
patience, purity, meekness, long-suffering, modesty, 
self-denial and lastly that crowning virtue and uncom- 
plaining endurance nurtured by a God-fearing mother, 
whose cry was heard over all the nations of the globe, 
"Who could kill my baby?" 

For the first time Queen Victoria of England put on 
court mourning because of the death of the President 
of the United States; this honor accorded him whom 
she considered in the fullest meaning of the word a 
man, had never before been conferred upon any dead, 
except those of royal blood. And her dear motherly 
and wifely heart prompted her to send daily messages 
of condolence to the bereaved mother and wife as they 
sit in anguish and tears. 

Garfield's Death. 

There is nothing to fear except the evils incident to 
prosperous times. How fruitful the twenty-nine years 
since Ohio's admission to the Union! Such is the na- 
ture of free, intelligent government by an educated 
common people, that the strength of the government 



JAMES ABRAM GARFIELD 159 

is not in itself at all. No official taken away shakes 
the fabric. 

How short those two hundred days! There have 
been times when events of the world seem to rest on 
single men. Israel had its Moses, America its Wash- 
ington, England its Cromwell, Italy its Cavour, Ger- 
many its Bismarck; and there were Thiers and Gam- 
betta of France. 

At Lake-Side. 

The remains were deposited in Lake View Cemetery, 
one hour's ride from his country residence at Mentor. 
Surrounded on three sides by the educational institu- 
tions, the business travel and homes of the poor and 
the rich, he lies in the midst of the world's sympathetic 
interests. 

Over the bronze-sealed casket rests a large wreath of 
immortelles and the love-tokens of the many visitors 
who deposit their gifts of flowers within the Tomb. 
Over and behind is arched an American flag. 

The estimated cost of this monument is one hundred 
and fifty thousand dollars. One-half of this sum was 
generously contributed by his personal friends in the 
Forest City; the remaining half was the free-will of- 
fering of friends far and near; much of it came in 
small sums. 

It was solemnly dedicated, and the second martyred 
president's remains transferred to its keeping on Deco- 
ration Day, May 30, 1890. 

Vice-President Arthur, on the day following Gar- 
field's death, took the oath of office in New York, and 
proceeded hurriedly to Washington. 

This was the fourth time in the history of America 



160 JAMES ABEAM GARFIELD 

that a vice-president had been called upon to fulfill 
the duties of his office. 

DECORATION DAY. 

Halt and blind with sleeveless blouse, 
Tramping along with measured tread, 

See! the white-crowned vet'rans march 
With stately step, and erect head. 

Scarred and seamed, full-battle stained, 

Old Glory floats upon the breeze; 
Its sombre trappings a mute ensign 

Amid the soft green of the cemetery trees. 

Thinner the ranks than the year that's gone, 

Slower the step to the bugle call; 
Still stout of heart and of firm resolve, 

Valiant patriots one and all. 

Hats off! I say to these "boys in blue" 
Who faced the foe, while nations weep ; 

Scatter fragrant flowers o'er the votive stones 
Covering their comrades who in silence sleep. 



JAMES ABRAM GARFIELD 145 

supplied. But he carried the first news to Thomas 
which that officer had received of the disaster on the 
right, and gave the important information by which 
he was enabled to extricate his command. 

At seven o'clock that evening in company with 
General Gordon Granger a salute of six Napoleon guns 
was fired after the last of the retreating assailants. 
They were the last shots of the Battle of Chicamauga, 
and the remnant of the United States troops was mas- 
ter of the field. 

When the news reached Washington of Garfield's 
memorable ride, President Lincoln ordered a commis- 
sion be made out to James Abram Garfield as Major- 
General, to date from the nineteenth of September, 
1863, for his gallant and meritorious conduct in the 
great battle that was fought so well — but that was 
lost. 

General Rosecrans made the following statement 
before he was superseded by General Grant: 

"All my staff merited my warm approbation for 
ability and devotion to duty; but I am sure they will 
not consider it invidious if I especially mention Brig- 
adier General Garfield, ever active, prudent and saga- 
cious. I feel much indebted to him for both counsel 
and assistance in the administration of this army. He 
possesses the energy and instinct of a great com- 
mander." 

News like this travels fast, and when "Old Josh Gid- 
dings," the sturdy pioneer of anti-slavery sentiments 
was removed by death in the autumn of 1862, his for- 
mer constituents called upon James A. Garfield, their 
once mule-driver on the Ohio Canal, to represent the 
Nineteenth Congressional District. 



146 JAMES ABEAM GAEFIELD 

As a Representative. 

He would not leave his military duties to stump the 
district. 

At all events he was elected November, 1862, a 
Member of Congress from the Nineteenth District of 
Ohio. 

President Lincoln used powerful arguments to in- 
duce Garfield to surrender higher pay, and the pros- 
pect of future promotion for that of a hard-working 
member of Congress. Garfield yielded to Lincoln's 
importunities December 5, 1863, and took his seat on 
the seventh day of the same month in the Thirty- 
eighth Congress, at the age of forty-eight years. 

On January 14, 1864, he made his first speech ; from 
that hour it was acknowledged that the new member 
from Ohio had at once secured a prominent place. His 
improved power of speech and readiness in complete 
debate, and his intimate knowledge of Constitutional 
law and parliamentary ruling, coupled with his studies 
in French and German expanded with each, defense 
and eulogy. 

The Dark Day. 

On the fifteenth of April, 1865, the country from sea 
to sea waited in utter bewilderment as well as sorrow, 
for the news had spread far and wide that Abraham 
Lincoln had been foully assassinated at Ford's Thea- 
ter by the hand of an actor, John Wilkes Booth. Wall 
Street and Broadway were crowded with an enraged 
populace, waiting for some one to say the word. At 
the head of a flight of granite steps, there stood a tall, 
strong, noble-looking gentleman, with hand raised, 
bespeaking silence. 



JAMES ABRAM GARFIELD 147 

It was James A. Garfield, Member of Congress from 
Ohio, a personal friend of the lamented president. A 
listening silence swept over the infuriated crowd, and 
in a deep, clear, manly voice, musical with intense 
emotion, he spoke: 

"Fellow Citizens: 'Clouds and darkness are round 
about Him ; Justice and Judgment are the establish- 
ment of His throne; Mercy and Truth shall go before 
His face ! 

"Fellow Citizens: God reigns and the Government 
at Washington still lives." 

The tumult was quelled with these words of courage 
and confidence. 

Abroad. 

General Garfield worked hard in committee rooms 
and on the floor of the House, at the same time devot- 
ing many hours to his studies in French and German. 
On the thirteenth day of July, 1867, he, in company 
with his wife, sailed from New York on the steamer 
City of London." His diary records events of a quiet 
nature, on the voyage, land being sighted on the twen- 
ty-fourth on the coast of England at the city of Ply- 
mouth. 

One regret paramount was that expressed at his 
limited acquaintance with the works of Shakespeare, 
and no more thoughtful or instructive day was spent 
by Mr. and Mrs. Garfield than that spent by them at 
Stratford-on-Avon. It greatly stimulated the desire to 
honor the bard whose works should be his study on his 
return. 

Two months were consumed in sight-seeing in and 
out of churches, palaces and places of historic interest. 



148 JAMES ABEAM GAEFIELD 

Happy days were spent in Scotland, at Edinburgh, 
Melrose, and in memory of Burns and Scott, Abbots- 
ford, Glasgow, Leith and Ayrshire were visited. Thence 
they went to Holland, up the Rhine, through Switzer- 
land, Paris and Rome ; thence back to London, weary 
and foot-sore. On the fourteenth of October, 18G7, 
they took the return passage for home in the "Hel- 
vetia." 

The impeachment of Andrew Johnson, then acting 
president, was the remaining work of the Congress. 
Garfield voted with his party, at the same time re- 
marking that he "was trying to be a radical without 
being a fool." 

In 1873, charges of corruption were made against 
him in relation to the "Credit Mobilier." These ex- 
cited earnest attention, especially in the Nineteenth 
Congressional District. He defended himself before 
his constituents in a pamphlet, as well as in personal 
speeches. 

The charges were renewed two years later, but were 
met with greater strength. 

After Rutherford B. Hayes' election he was sent by 
his friend and fellow-statesman, Governor Hayes, to 
witness the counting of the votes in Louisiana, as hav- 
ing been one of two Republican members appointed by 
the House of Representatives to sit on the electoral 
commission. 

In December, 1876, he was nominated by his party 
for Speaker of the House, and received the same nom- 
ination on two subsequent occasions. The years 1877- 
79 were busy ones ; speeches were made advocating 
the resumption of specie payment, also on the pro- 
tective tariff and the sugar tariff. 



JAMES ABRAM GAEFIELD 149 

On the thirteenth of January, 1880, the Legislature 
of Ohio gave him a most cordial and telling election 
to the Senate of the United States. 

Nomination for President. 

The Republican National Convention met at Chi- 
cago, June 5, 1880. Over twenty thousand people from 
all the States and Territories packed the Exposition 
Building. Great numbers of delegates came several 
days in advance in order that the preliminary work of 
the convention might meet with no disaster. Not often 
has such a feeling of feverish interest in a nomination 
been felt by the masses of the people. 

The supporters of the third-term movement assumed 
the name of ''Stalwarts," claiming to be the core of 
the Republican party. 

The first ballot stood: 

Grant 304 

Blaine 284 

Sherman 79 

Edmonds 34 

Washburn 30 

Windom 10 

General Garfield's name was not named in the first 
ballot. His State had another candidate. Garfield was 
at the head of the Ohio delegation to do his best for 
his old friend, John Sherman, whose name he pre- 
sented in an eloquent speech. He fought hard for 
Sherman, preventing in his inimitable manner the con- 
vention from breaking out into open discord. 

On the second ballot one vote was cast for Garfield, 



150 JAMES ABEAM GAKFIELD 

but on the thirty-fourth ballot the State of Wisconsin 
announced thirty-six voted for Garfield. On the thir- 
ty-sixth ballot all the delegates who had voted for 
Blaine and Sherman transferred them to Garfield, as 
their States were called, until there were three hun- 
dred and ninety-nine, twenty-one more than was need- 
ful for nomination. The vote for Grant had not 
changed, but his supporters had no objection to Gar- 
field, and hastily acquiesced in the motion to make his 
nomination unanimous, with Chester A. Arthur for 
Vice-President. 

General Garfield was taken altogether by surprise. 
He hastily withdrew from the hall and absolutely re- 
fused to address the convention, saying, "It was no 
time for imprudent platform oratory." 

Contrary to custom, he delivered speeches in his 
own behalf, and was elected President by two hun- 
dred and fourteen to one hundred and fifty-five on the 
electoral vote. 

An extract from the eulogy upon General Garfield, 
February 27, 1882, by James G. Blaine, shows the esti- 
mation in which he was held: 

"When the history of this period shall be impar- 
tially written; when war legislation, measure or re- 
construction, protection of human rights, amendments 
to the Constitution, maintenance of public credit, steps 
toward specie payment, resumption, true theories of 
revenue, may be unsurrounded by prejudice and dis- 
connected from partisanship, the speeches of Garfield 
will be estimated at their true value." 

As President Hayes and the president-elect entered 
the same carriage to be driven to the Capitol, all the 



JAMES ABEAM GARFIELD 151 

Ohio men declared that in the entire portrait gallery 
of the Presidents none finer-looking could be seen. 

Now for the third time in succession Ohio had given 
one of her sons to the Nation. Each had been one of 
the " Captains, " had won fame on the battlefield, also 
proving themselves able statesmen as well. James A. 
Garfield wore his honors as fitting a son of the Buckeye 
State. By the General Assembly of his native State 
he had been elected to a seat in the Senate, the young- 
est of them all, but the Nation now called him to a 
higher position. No younger general ever entered the 
army. His three years in the army and his service in 
the House of Representatives had made him an earn- 
est student of the resources of the Government. An 
inexhaustible fund of knowledge of international law, 
finance, taxation, manufactures and commerce, and a 
thorough study of tariff made him a power in the Na- 
tion. His fine physique, massive head and resonant 
voice commanded the attention of thinking people, and 
won a place for him everywhere. 

No day was too long for him, for each hour found 
him in earnest study, for this peer of men must strive 
if he would win. His home at Mentor was the Repub- 
lican Mecca from which he went forth with the popu- 
lar affection stamped upon his canvass, making it an 
ovation due solely to his great popularity. 

Section 3-3 of the Constitution plainly sets forth : 

"No person shall be a senator who shall not have 
attained to the age of thirty years, and been nine 
years a citizen of the United States, and who shall not, 
when elected, be an inhabitant of that State for which 
he shall be chosen." 

The campaign was remarkable for several reasons. 



152 JAMES ABRAM GARFIELD 

This was the first time that every presidential elector 
was chosen by popular vote. It had never been known 
previous to this time that every electoral vote was 
counted as it was cast. There was no agitation of the 
Southern question. All parties were a unit on the anti- 
Chinese legislation. 

Had not this great man, this good man, a kingly man 
in both mind and heart, risen from the cabin in the 
buckeye clearing to the highest place in the gift of a 
nation, whose sons, through personal struggle and 
trial, hard labor, persistent study, and this chosen one 
by his religious devotion, and national discipline and 
field service was to show to the world how by his com- 
mon-folk simplicity, his heartiness, genuineness and 
deep humility and frankness, could be an American 
whose honors sat on him well. 

"With these warmest of personal friendships he went 
forth to execute the law which had been made by the 
people, for the people in the face of internal dissen- 
sion. The Republican party was not a unit on method. 
This "close corporation" or "machine" method was 
a menace to the perfecting of the union of elements so 
essential to the right conduct of affairs. He believed 
himself able with God's help to reunite these factions, 
and by readjustment to so order affairs that these 
malcontents would see the justice of harmony and save 
the Government. 

March 4, 1881. 

From the cabin he had been elevated to the highest 
civic position in the gift of the American people. What 
prouder day for any mother than that! "And her 
children shall arise up and call her blessed," and the 



JAMES ABRAM GARFIELD 153 

people shall bear testimony of the same. The crown- 
ing act of James A. Garfield's life was when, after he 
had taken the oath of office, in deep humility, with a 
heart fired with filial affection, and in the presence of 
the whole world, he turned and kissed his mother and 
his wife. 

This day, long to be remembered in the events of the 
Republic, was pregnant with omens of an auspicious 
future. But, alas, poltical complications soon dark- 
ened the public horizon; dark forebodings of dissen- 
tions in the Republican party soon took shape in the 
two wings of the constituency, namely, the "Stal- 
warts," who claimed rights accorded in former admin- 
istrations, under the name of patronage by Senators 
and Representatives of those States in Congress, and 
the "Half-breeds," indorsed by the President and led 
by Mr. Blaine, who had control of the Government, 
and were numerically stronger than their opponents. 

The President insisted on naming the officers in the 
various States according to his knowledge and wishes, 
and what he considered the best for the State, to pre- 
vent, if possible, any injurious disturbance which would 
be inimical to liberty and stability of the nation. 

The Assassin's Bullet. 

Had not the bullet of the dastardly assassin laid him 
low? The sultry sun sent his scorching heat over the 
city of Washington just five months from his triumph- 
al inauguration. Mrs. Garfield had just recovered from 
a late illness, and was to join her husband at New 
York on her way from Long Branch. Senator Blaine 
drove over to the White House and accompanied the 
President to the depot. Always promptly on time, the 



154 JAMES ABEAM GAEFIELD 

two gentlemen remained in the carriage fully a half 
hour before the arrival of the train. 

At the first sound of the in-coming train they has- 
tened through the ladies' waiting-room, wholly uncon- 
scious of a wiry-looking serpent lurking in the shadow. 
Arm in arm these friends passed on, but not quickly 
enough to pass this villain, who, darting up behind the 
President, fired a death-dealing shot. Re-cocking his 
pistol he fired a second time. The President fell wound- 
ed unto death. 

Mr. Blaine sprang forth and seized the assailant, 
who made but a faint resistance. The attendants in 
the waiting-room ran immediately to the President's 
assistance, and held up his head. An improvised bed 
was quickly prepared, a physician summoned and the 
mortally wounded man conveyed to the White House. 
Mrs. Garfield was immediately summoned, and then 
followed long weary days of pain and anxiety. 

When Dr. Sunderland rushed to the depot, he said: 

"Mr. President, you are in the hands of the God 
you have long trusted, and I say to you that the heart 
of this whole people will go out to God in prayer that 
you may be spared." 

The President calmly replied: "I know it, Doctor. 
I believe in God, and trust myself in his hands." 

The whole nation was shocked. His dispatches to his 
wife spoke in simple eloquence the patient and chival- 
ric abnegation of self; his unfaltering manliness ap- 
pealed powerfully to the best feeling of the American 
heart. At no time in his active life had he displayed 
greater nobility and more touching simplicity, or solid 
excellence of his personal character than when in the 
throes of death he shines forth every inch a man. The 



JAMES ABEAM GAKFIELD 155 

public heart turned with unbounded admiration 
changed to ardent and anxious affection when, nearing 
the end of his eighty days of suffering, he firmly re- 
plied to his physician : 

"Then we will go in on that chance. I am not afraid 
to die, but I will try to live," said he, "to live." 

But the "Sun of Eternity" still shone in the hearts 
of the American people. Swift justice strikes down 
the assailant, but the sufferer must be relieved and 
taken where the sea-breeze could fan his blanched 
cheek. So Elberon, N. J., was chosen. 

The "dark Fourth of July" was one never to be 
forgotten. All the hot August days alternating in re- 
ports of "about the same," a "little easier," then "not 
so well," and lastly the report that James A. Garfield 
had been "mustered in" on September 19, 1881, at 
half -past ten o'clock, the anniversary of the Battle of 
Chickamauga, in which President Garfield had won. 

The "watch-maker" of the universe had stopped one 
more clock. 

When Abraham Lincoln (The First American), our 
revered martyr was shot down, James A. Garfield spoke 
the immortal words: 

"God is not dead and the Government at Washing- 
ton still lives." 

So let us say nothing suffers so long as the people 
are true to their motto, "In God We Trust." The 
nation is broad, various, strong and immovable. Our 
Father's God is ours. 

In our land of a Democratic-Republican people our 
women are educated for domesticity and propriety. 
Mrs. Lucretia Garfield was a worthy successor to Mrs. 
Hayes, that model in the home and in public station 



156 JAMES ABEAM GARFIELD 

to which she was called "a Lady of the White House." 
Though a woman invariably cheerful with confiding 
friendship and a thoughtful tendency uniformly 
bright, pensive, yet mirthful, with her best beloved; 
radiant, yet calm, absolutely ungrudging and of an 
unselfish spirit; a woman whose love was so perfect 
that heaven-born melodies radiated from her ieatures, 
and when sorrow came the very thought of good was 
all planned by a higher intelligence, and the sympathy 
that brought her husband to her in her illness rebound- 
ed, and everything was sacrificed to this great love. 
Differing much, she was none the less a meet com- 
panion to her worthy husband. Death had almost 
claimed her for its victim, when she was met by her 
husband's peril. 

His venerable mother, whose chief joy in her declin- 
ing years was the thought of her boy's honors and ex- 
alted position, suddenly darkened in death's eclipse, 
was completely prostrated. One of her greatest treas- 
ures was the last letter written by him. 

Last Letter Ever Written by James A. Garfield : 
Washington, D. C, Aug. 11, 1881. 

"Dear Mother: 

Don't be disturbed by conflicting reports about my 
condition. It is true I am still weak and on my back, 
but I am gaining every day, and need only time and 
patience to bring me through. 

"Give my love to all the relatives and friends, es- 
pecially to sisters Hetty and Mary." 
Your loving son, 

James A. Garfield. 
"Mrs. Elizabeth Garfield, 
Hiram, Ohio." 



JAMES ABRAM GAEFIELD 157 

His best beloved said there was no promotion left 
for her beloved but for God to call him higher. He 
received that promotion. He believed in immortality 
not only of the soul but of the body, and that the 
grave would give up its dead. 

He was sent to "Washington weighing two hundred 
and ten pounds, and returned to the same eighty 
pounds. 

Three hundred thousand people mourned his death; 
grand, bright and brilliant man. In reason he speaks 
and in example lives. Was he not the son of the King ; 
at whose footstool he had knelt night and morning, 
seeking guidance for the events of each day? 

All over the land poor men cried, "Our hero has 
been slain." It was inexpressively sad as well as pecu- 
liarly thrilling. 

By the shores of the blue waters of Lake Erie, in 
sight of the very spot where stood the log cabin in 
which he was born, within an hour's ride of the house 
and farm he loved so well, lies one of the most beloved 
and honored men within the circuit of the sun. 

The national flag clings to its staff, heavy with the 
badge of mourning and wet with tears. God's provi- 
dence controls the wills of men. 

It is a noteworthy fact that every President who 
has died in office has been one upon whom the heart 
of the nation was peculiarly resting with confidence in 
his wisdom. 

The soldiers recognized in him a man who was great- 
hearted, great-brained and generous. He had a cordial, 
earnest grasp of the hand; it made of him a life-long 
friend. He entered the army without the slightest 
military training. In the service one and a half years 



158 JAMES ABEAM GAEFIELD 

he was Chief of Staff of the Army of the Cumberland. 

Disbanded armies returned to their civic occupa- 
tions without a murmur. The sovereignty of this coun- 
try rests with the people. His work passed out of his 
hand; it belongs now to the age and the people for 
whom it was accomplished, and being deserving goes 
on belonging to future ages and future people, becom- 
ing to all generations yet unborn a never-failing source 
of wonderment and interest ; and what of the life ? It 
has a mysterious attraction, radiating from its affec- 
tional gentleness, all powerful angelic spirit, obedience, 
patience, purity, meekness, long-suffering, modesty, 
self-denial and lastly that crowning virtue and uncom- 
plaining endurance nurtured by a God-fearing mother, 
whose cry was heard over all the nations of the globe, 
"Who could kill my baby?" 

For the first time Queen Victoria of England put on 
court mourning because of the death of the President 
of the United States; this honor accorded him whom 
she considered in the fullest meaning of the word a 
man, had never before been conferred upon any dead, 
except those of royal blood. And her dear motherly 
and wifely heart prompted her to send daily messages 
of condolence to the bereaved mother and wife as they 
sit in anguish and tears. 

Garfield's Death. 

There is nothing to fear except the evils incident to 
prosperous times. How fruitful the twenty-nine years 
since Ohio's admission to the Union! Such is the na- 
ture of free, intelligent government by an educated 
common people, that the strength of the government 



JAMES ABRAM GARFIELD 159 

is not in itself at all. No official taken away shakes 
the fabric. 

How short those two hundred days! There have 
been times when events of the world seem to rest on 
single men. Israel had its Moses, America its Wash- 
ington, England its Cromwell, Italy its Cavour, Ger- 
many its Bismarck; and there were Thiers and Gam- 
betta of France. 

At Lake-Side. 

The remains were deposited in Lake View Cemetery, 
one hour's ride from his country residence at Mentor. 
Surrounded on three sides by the educational institu- 
tions, the business travel and homes of the poor and 
the rich, he lies in the midst of the world's sympathetic 
interests. 

Over the bronze-sealed casket rests a large wreath of 
immortelles and the love-tokens of the many visitors 
who deposit their gifts of flowers within the Tomb. 
Over and behind is arched an American flag. 

The estimated cost of this monument is one hundred 
and fifty thousand dollars. One-half of this sum was 
generously contributed by his personal friends in the 
Forest City; the remaining half was the free-will of- 
fering of friends far and near; much of it came in 
small sums. 

It was solemnly dedicated, and the second martyred 
president's remains transferred to its keeping on Deco- 
ration Day, May 30, 1890. 

Vice-President Arthur, on the day following Gar- 
field's death, took the oath of office in New York, and 
proceeded hurriedly to Washington. 

This was the fourth time in the history of America 



160 JAMES ABEAM GAEFIELD 

that a vice-president had been called upon to fulfill 
the duties of his office. 

DECORATION DAY. 

Halt and blind with sleeveless blouse, 
Tramping along with measured tread, 

See! the white-crowned vet'rans march 
With stately step, and erect head. 

Scarred and seamed, full-battle stained, 

Old Glory floats upon the breeze; 
Its sombre trappings a mute ensign 

Amid the soft green of the cemetery trees. 

Thinner the ranks than the year that's gone, 

Slower the step to the bugle call; 
Still stout of heart and of firm resolve, 

Valiant patriots one and all. 

Hats off! I say to these "boys in blue" 
Who faced the foe, while nations weep ; 

Scatter fragrant flowers o'er the votive stones 
Covering their comrades who in silence sleep. 



CHRONOLOGY OF BENJAMIN HARRISON, TWEN- 
TY-THIRD PRESIDENT OF THE 
UNITED STATES. 

1833, Aug. 20, born at North Bend, Ohio. 

1852, Jan. 24, graduated at Miami University, Oxford, 

Ohio. 

1853, Oct. 20, married Miss Caroline W. Scott. 

1854, began practice of law at Indianapolis, Indiana. 
1862, Aug. 7, enlisted in Union Army. 

1864, served in Civil War as Commander of a Brigade 

in Atlantic Campaign. 

1865, June, mustered out Brigadier-General. 

1876, was defeated as Republican candidate for Gov- 
ernor of Indiana. 

1880, Chairman of Indiana delegation to the conven- 

tion which nominated J. A. Garfield for Presi- 
dent. 

1881, elected United States Senator. 
1887, served six years in Senate. 

1889, elected President of the United States. 
1901, March 13, died at Indianapolis, at the age of 
sixty-eight years. 



161 



BENJAMIN HARRISON 

Born 1833, Aug. 20. Died 1901, March 13. 

"Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word 
that proceedeth out of the mouth of God." 

Forefathers. 

Benjamin Harrison was a man whose ancestry dates 
back to the days before the establishment of our own 
beloved Republic; whose grandfather first saw the 
light of day in "Old Virginia," renowned for being 
the "Mother of Presidents." The subject of our sketch 
can look with pride on the example left him in the 
lives of not only his grandparents, but also that of his 
own father. 

Benjamin Harrison of Berkeley has left an honorable 
name and a memory unsullied, having the honor con- 
ferred upon him as a signer of the Declaration of Inde- 
pendence. Some men are made famous ofttimes by 
one memorable act in his country's history. As early 
as 1764 this "boy member" of the Virginia House of 
Burgesses rose to the position of Speaker. Ever ready 
to defnd the right, the royal Governor thought to find 
in him a loyal supporter of the King; and directly 
after the passage of the Stamp Act offered the young 
Speaker a seat in the Executive Council. But the blood 
of his liberty-loving ancestors still flowed in his veins, 
and in unmistaken terms he refused the bribe, and 

163 



164 BENJAMIN HARRISON 

pronounced himself a Republican and unalteringly op- 
posed to the British oppression. 

He was a man after God's own heart; a son of the 
soil, a friend in need and in deed ; a humble, conscien- 
tious and public-minded patriot; one whose only aim 
was the education of his children and the maintenance 
of a Christian home. A quiet, unassuming man who, 
when the moment came, was master of the hour and of 
himself. This one of the fourth generation laid the 
foundation for the fifth generation — such a character 
that all men can say "here was a man who feared God 
and did his duty." 

William Henry Harrison, the second son of Benja- 
min, of Berkeley, with Washington's approval, located 
where Cincinnati is now situated. From his earlier 
youth and to the moment of his demise, he was an 
ardent friend of human liberty. After years of unre- 
mitting and heroic struggle he attained to the highest 
gift of the people, then fell asleep, leaving a name 
redolent of patriotism and quiet greatness. 

John Scott Harrison, second son of the hero of Tip- 
pecanoe, father of President Harrison, was an intelli- 
gent farmer proud of his paternal acres. He was called 
twice to represent his State in Congress, and was nom- 
inated for Lieutenant-Governor, but declined this 
honor, prefering the duties of home-making and build- 
ing up good citizens in his own community. 

No greater inheritance could fall to any man than 
the example of such a paternal ancestor. 

Benjamin Harrison, the subject of this sketch, felt 
called upon to perpetuate his memory by the observ- 
ance of the principles and tenets set forth in his in- 



BENJAMIN HARBISON 165 

augural address, which for purity of thought and un- 
selfishness, has never been surpassed. Read the story 
of the Battle of Tippecanoe and the true character of 
the Harrisons will be more fully understood. In dis- 
position his father was quiet, but never sullen, prefer- 
ing the pleasures of home and family. He was of a 
meditative turn of mind, avoiding the noise and bustle 
of the town. He shared in all the joys and sorrows of 
his children, sacrificing all personal enjoyment, and 
often comforts, to assist his boys in their studies. His 
children revered him for his ability, not only as a 
writer, but as a speaker of power. Such a heritage 
fell in showers of blessing upon the life of his second 
son. 

Birth and Childhood. 

Benjamin was born on the twentieth of August, 1833, 
in the old homestead of his grandfather, at North 
Bend, Ohio. His mother, the second wife of John Scott 
Harrison, was a woman remarkable in that she had in- 
herited an excellent spirit from her father, Archibald 
Irwin, of Mercersburg, Franklin County, Pennsylvania ; 
frugal in management, gentle in disposition, firm in 
principle ; a woman fully capable of making a home 
and keeping it unsullied by virtue of her unswerving 
adherence to all that was noble, good and true. Such 
a wife and mother binds together the family, and, 
though homely the fare and scant the raiment, yet, 
where love reigns and the sweetness of companionship 
abides, the children arise up and call her blessed. 

"Man shall not live by bread alone," but the battle 
for living makes some men great before their time ; so 



166 BENJAMIN HARRISON 

it was with Benjamin Harrison. Americans may not 
be born kings, but every man becomes a king. Labor 
sweetens life. Having no apparent way to earn the 
necessary equipment of life, he made a way. Having 
the determination that in the fear of God, his love for 
his fellow-man, and unswerving faith in himself, he 
could successfully meet all difficulties he ventured out 
on the sea of life. 

Of rather small stature, delicate physical constitu- 
tion and a modest disposition, he pushed forward in 
spite of all opposition. His studious habits, and deter- 
mination to make the best of his opportunities, opened 
other doors that would have remained closed to one 
less able to love time. His ideal was a noble purpose 
to secure for himself every possible advantage to be 
obtained in the schools. His early training in the old 
log-schoolhouse, the subsequent research at home, made 
of him no mean aspirant after knowledge, just such 
men as Presidents in America are made of. 

The schoolhouse was of the most primitive kind. Its 
walls of rough-hewn logs, ill-fitting, and the windows 
few and small, built high up in the wall ; the floor was 
made of puncheon. The benches were slabs extending 
across the room, resting on sticks fitted in through 
auger holes. There were no backs to these benches, and 
the younger children dangled their short legs without 
touching the floor, making their backs more curved 
than straight in their endeavor to sit "tailor fashion." 
Their attainments were limited to spelling, reading and 
writing; ofttimes the ink being made of poke-berries 
and the pens from quills. Steel pens were not yet in- 
troduced. 



BENJAMIN HARRISON 167 

Self-Culture. 

In 1847 he began the study of Latin, and a short time 
afterward was sent to Farmers' College, near Cincin- 
nati, on College Hill. Freeman Cary, brother to Mr. 
Samuel F. Cary, the temperance lecturer, was then the 
principal. The faculty was composed of men who had 
come up from "plain living with high thinking," and 
under such men he studiously pursued his studies in 
Latin, Greek, mental philosophy and mathematics. By 
diligence he gained the respect of his teachers. His 
genial, social spirit won for him the esteem of his fel- 
low-students. His love of college sports and his readi- 
ness of self-control won him the admiration of the boys 
on the field. 

The habit of reading was such as fed the imagina- 
tion, but the classics were his chief delight. From 
Scott, Dickens, Thackeray, Bunyan, Irving, Cooper and 
Goldsmith, he imbibed germs of the purest truth and 
finest fiction, while for his historical knowledge he 
chose Hume and Gibbon, and last, but not least, the 
Bible. 

What son of such a praying mother could be ought 
but a praying son, one who could follow in a consistent 
and devout manner the instruction laid down by the 
church of his mother's choice? While at the Miami 
University, Oxford, Ohio, presided over by professors 
of the Presbyterian Church, eight classmates became 
ministers. The outcome of this training was his con- 
sciousness of his own ability to lead the debates of the 
Miami Union Literary Society from the income of his 
previous exhaustive research. 

The times were phenomenal and furnished abundant 



168 BENJAMIN HAEEISON 

topics of industrial and scientific inventions, namely, 
he was associated with such celebrities as General 
Henry M. Cist, Murat Halstead, the journalist, White- 
law Reid and Principal G. A. Carnahan, when attending 
Farmers' College, at College Hill; all were of high 
hopes and became honorable because their deep-seated 
thought was crystallized into vigorous action. 

June 24, 1852, he was graduated from the Miami 
University in a class of sixteen. The subject of his 
commencement address was, "The Poor of England." 
Being an ardent protectionist, he laid bare in a mas- 
terly manner the causes of this degradation in Eng- 
land, and proclaimed then what he afterwards was able 
to carry out at home. 

As a Law Student. 

He had now reached the age of eighteen, and being 
thrown on his own resources, he resolved to choose the 
law as his profession. Accordingly, he entered the law 
offices of Storer & Gwinne, of Cincinnati, as a student 
of law. His six industrious years at college had laid 
for him a sure foundation for his future greatness. 

He was inspirited in all his endeavors by that one 
purest of all incentives — love. In Oxford was a sem- 
inary for young ladies, presided over by Dr. John W. 
Scott, whose daughter, Caroline, found in Benjamin 
Harrison a man whose refinement and intelligence won 
her respect, and he discovered a woman whose gener- 
ous culture, and innate goodness spoke words of com- 
fort. So potent was that love, that ere they were aware 
the twain were one in heart and purpose. Before he 
had finished his law studies he returned to Oxford and 



BENJAMIN HARRISON 169 

they were married October 20, 1853, and took up their 
home at his father's house in North Bend. 

Encouragement met them on every hand ; they had 
ventured without money, or knowledge of the world, 
but with a firm faith in each other, together they re- 
solved to conquer. It was decided they would sell the 
property he came heir to for eight hundred dollars, and 
that they would quietly slip over the border-land into 
the Hoosier State ; a State whose history he had learned 
from his grandsire's knee. Had not his own family 
brought the State out of her perils from the Indians, 
and made it what it then was? His foster-mother, In- 
diana, treated her son well. Was not this youth the 
grandson of President "William Henry Harrison? 

He made friends easily in Indianapolis (which he had 
chosen for his residence), and held them to him by 
hooks of steel. He was of light complexion, small and 
slender in stature, had gray-blue eyes, of a diffident 
and quiet manner. He made friends, secured business, 
and in his long struggle his total abstinence habits, 
and untiring perseverance in small duties made him 
successful. 

Mr. John H. Rea was his one acquaintance in that 
busy city. He was Clerk of the United States District 
Court, located in the State Bank Building, opposite the 
Bates House. Mr. Rea offered him a desk in his office, 
and in a short time his "shingle" was nailed at the 
side of the door, announcing to the people that "Benja- 
min Harrison, Attorney at Law," might be found 
within. 

This little "tow-head," as he was called, had a hard 
struggle to "make the hand of the diligent rich." 
Early and late he entered with fear and trembling on 



170 BENJAMIN HARRISON 

his duties, yet never faltering, for he had the promise, 
"I will be with thee." Such was his indomitable en- 
ergy that the attention of the best members of the legal 
profession found that he possessed "the stuff of which 
heroes are made." 

In support of this, Mr. Jonathan W. Gordon engaged 
his services on a burglary case. The case was called 
on the same afternoon that the distinguished educator, 
Horace Mann, was to lecture. Mr. Gordon attended 
the lecture, leaving the prosecution in Mr. Harrison's 
hands. The test was a severe one. The defense was 
conducted by two of the ablest lawyers in the State, 
Governor Wallace and Sims Colley. 

After the speeches of Major Gordon and Mr. Colley 
a recess was taken until the evening. During this ad- 
journment Mr. Harrison's anxiety, coupled with his 
desire to do his duty, can better be imagined than de- 
scribed. There was a dear one at home whose prayers 
for his success never failed him. His quickness of 
comprehension and breadth of judgment enabled him 
to face these men of the defense, and for love of home 
he gained so signal a victory for the prisoner's convic- 
tion that his fame went through Indiana and also 
reached his native State. 

A HERO. 

Hail, hail to the boy who has courage 

To do what he thinks to be right; 
When beset by sore temptation 

And finds it a hard battle to fight, 
Against self and his daily companion, 

A seducive and powerful foe. 
Give honor to him, if he conquer; 

A hand to the boy who says "No!" 



BENJAMIN HARRISON 171 

In 1860 he was elected Reporter of the Supreme 
Court on the Republican ticket. His canvass through 
the State won him many friends, and he never lost 
them, as his subsequent elections testify. His promises 
for the service rendered made every man to know that 
the Government, with its free and enlightened insti 
tutions, not only insures peace, prosperity and happi- 
ness at home, but also by the powerful force of ex- 
ample hastens the approach of that period when all 
mankind shall be also blessed with the inestimable 
boon of civil and religious freedom. 

His domestic life was a singularly happy one. He 
was very poor. His noble young wife cheerfully shared 
in all his failures and successes. He had a horror of 
debt, and did all the work about the home himself that 
he might be the more independent, and husband a 
portion of his professional income. A holy quietude 
pervaded this humble home, and their eldest son, Rus- 
sell, born at Oxford, the twelfth of August, 1854, was 
ever a sweet comfort and inspiration to his parents; 
likewise the daughter, now Mrs. McGee, ever the true 
loving daughter and real wife and mother. 

Soon after his election he was challenged to debate 
with Governor Hendricks, the Democratic leader. His 
reply was characteristic of the man. Said he: 

"That is, of course, a very unfair proposal. Mr. 
Hendricks is at the head of the Democratic ticket, 
while I am at the tail of the Republican ticket. He is 
an experienced public debater, while I am on my first 
trip." 

He had determined to enter the inner circle of party 
politics at this time, and consented. His reply was 
a "feast of reason and a flow of soul," which carried 



172 BENJAMIN HARRISON 

the house by storm, revealing not only to his audience 
but to himself, the strength of his argument, but that 
inly-laid power the result of his years of careful study 
and meditation now aroused to do the public service. 

As a Soldier. 

The second call "to arms" to save the Union found 
him busy in the office immersed in the arduous duties 
of bread-winning. Being a methodical, peace-loving 
man, with a heart burning with love of country, he had 
much to consider. His wife and children were ever in 
his thoughts, but, at the word "Go," his duty was 
plain. Like many of his Ohio friends and compatriots : 

BUCKEYE VOLUNTEER. 

He leapt to arms unbidden, 

Unneeded, overbold; 
His face by earth is hidden, 

His heart in earth is cold. 

His example was followed by many, and the 17th 
Indiana Regiment was mustered in July, 1862, with 
Colonel Harrison in command. 

Mr. Harrison was busily engaged in the preparation 
of a volume of the Supreme Court reports when he re- 
sponded to Abraham Lincoln's call for troops. The 
question soon arose as to his right to hold his position 
as Reporter and that of a military commission. He 
had anticipated such action and appointed John T. Dye 
and John Caren to finish the reports with Mr. Dye as 
Deputy Reporter. 

In the fall of the same year the Democrats seized 
their opportunity and succceeded in electing Honorable 
Michael C. Kerr to the office of Reporter. In the year 



BENJAMIN HAEEISON 173 

1864, the Republican Convention renominated Colonel 
Harrison, while fighting in the Atlanta campaign, a 
magnificent testimonial to one whose loyalty to the 
flag was more potent than tongue can tell. Mr. Harri- 
son was elected and reappointed John T. Dye his 
Deputy, while he continued with his regiment. 

Governor Morton, of Indiana, soon realized what a 
difficult matter it was to arouse the men of Indiana to 
a sense of their duty. It is not surprising that Harri- 
son, who felt the possible danger from invasion, should 
tender his service to the Governor. His offer was 
promptly accepted. With flags flying and drums beat- 
ing he began the work of recruiting. He employed a 
Regular from Chicago, and Company A was soon filled 
and off to camp for drill. Governor Morton voluntarily 
commissioned him Colonel. 

Having no experience or knowledge of military 
tactics, he felt the disadvantage of his position. With 
a will and determination equal to that of Cromwell, he 
set himself to study that he might the better fill the 
important duties imposed upon him in his responsible 
position. He drilled incessantly; held his men to a 
strict order of discipline, and had the satisfaction of 
marching the 17th Indiana Regiment to the front, as 
fine a body of men in points of intelligence and dis- 
cipline as ever shouldered a musket. He was a pa- 
triot-citizen, ever one cool in action, brave in word and 
deed; but the crowning virtue was his whole-hearted- 
ness toward his men. All the men loved him ; his con- 
sideration of the private soldier shall ever be spoken 
of him in tones of endearment. No soldier was ashamed 
to bow his knee in his presence, and lift his weary eyes 
in supplication as his mother taught him. He knew his 



174 BENJAMIN HARRISON 

Colonel lived in the presence of Him, who taught his 
disciples to pray: 

Our Father which art in heaven, 

Hallowed be thy name. 

Thy kingdom come. 

Thy will be done, in earth, as it is in heaven. 

Give us this day our daily bread. 

And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. 

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from 

evil : 
For thine is the kingdom, and the power and the glory, 

forever. Amen. 

No task too hard, no journey too long, no deed too 
small, if by the performing it he could serve his fellow- 
man, hence his great political strength. 

In all his attempts he made himself the master 
through the grateful recollections of considerations of 
the comforts and provisions for the men. Such tributes 
as the following found their way to the Executive Man- 
sion, when "Fighting Joe" Hooker sent the following 
warm appeal for his promotion: 

"Headquarters Northern Department. 

Cincinnati, Ohio, Oct. 31, 1864. 
"Hon. E. M. Stanton, Secretary of War: 

I desire to call the attention of the department to the 
claims of Colonel Benjamin Harrison of the 17th In- 
diana Volunteers for promotion to the rank of Brig- 
adier-General Volunteers. Colonel Harrison first 
joined me in command of a brigade of Ward's division 
in Lookout Valley, preparative to entering upon what 
is called the Campaign of Atlanta. My attention was 
first attracted to this young officer by the superior ex- 
cellence of his brigade in discipline and instruction, 
the result of his labor, skill and devotion. 

"With more foresight than I have witnessed in any 



BENJAMIN HARRISON 175 

officer of his experience, he seemed to act upon the 
principle that success depended upon the thorough pre- 
paration in discipline and esprit of his command for 
conflict, more than any influence that could be exerted 
on the field itself, and when collision came his 
command vindicated his wisdom as much as his valor. 
In all the achievements of the 20th Corps in that cam- 
paign Colonel Harrison bore a conspicuous part. 

"At Resaca and Peach Tree Creek the conduct of 
himself and command was especially distinguished. 

"Colonel Harrison is an officer of superior abilities, 
and of great professional and personal worth. It gives 
me great pleasure to commend him favorably to the 
Honorable Secretary, with the assurance that his pre- 
ferment will be a just recognition of his services and 
martial accomplishments. 

"Very respectfully, 

"Your obedient servant 
"Joseph Hooker. 

"Major-General Commanding." 

From a one-armed soldier we quote one of the many 
incidents of his virtuous action : 

"I was a captain in General Harrison's brigade. I 
saw much of him, and in spite of his Cromwellian ideas 
of discipline, there is that genuine tenderness of char- 
acter in him which very often characterizes strong men. 
'The bravest are the tenderest,' the poet says. I lost 
an arm at Atlanta, and my right leg was shattered. 
The surgeon insisted on amputating my leg. My arm I 
well knew had to go. I suffered intensely for weeks. A 
father could not have watched over his eldest, his first- 
born, with more tender solicitude, than General Harri- 
son bestowed on me, in our rude hospital tent in front 
of Atlanta. I came to know his step at the door of 
the tent. 

"He insisted on the surgeon trying to save me 



176 BENJAMIN HAERISON 

without amputating my leg. It was saved and is as 
good today as it ever was. That was an act I couldn't 
forget." 

He then continued: "I was a farmer's boy from 
Marion County; my wounds kept me from rising 
above the rank of Captain. On our discharge I was 
not strong enough to follow the plow. I had a wife 
and a boy. I had no business, and my money was 
gone. I went to Ben Harrison at his law office, with 
its flag flying from the window. He, too, had ex- 
changed his blue soldier clothes for the business suit, 
and was buckling down to law. I told him I was in 
despair. I can never forget the look of encourage- 
ment he gave me. Putting his hand on my shoulder, 
he said: 'There is plenty of room in Marion County 
for you. The office of County Register will be vacant 
in two months. Stay in my office till then, and we 
will make you Register of Marion County. Who has 
any better claim?' 

"I followed his advice. I was elected Register of 
Marion County. I began to save money, and bought 
a home. I got a second term, and before I went out 
of office I had honestly earned and saved twenty-five 
thousand dollars, which out here, to a plain soldier, 
like me, is a competency for life. 

"I owe all this to Ben Harrison, and it is not an 
isolated case, either. Do you wonder that I didn't 
sleep nor rest at Chicago till my old comrade was 
nominated for President?" 

Benjamin Harrison was somewhat taciturn, and ex- 
tremely cautious in conversation, yet when the Civil 
War was the topic he immediately responded heartily 
to any and all calls for responses. The Grand Army 



BENJAMIN HARRISON 177 

post in Indianapolis had him as a regular attendant 
at all their meetings. At one of these meetings the fol- 
lowing incident was related: 

The Irish Sentinel. 

It was his first experience on guard mounting, on a 
prominent street in Nashville. He strutted along his 
beat, apparently with a full appreciation of the dignity 
and importance of his position. As a citizen ap- 
proached, he shouted : 

"Halt! Who comes there?" 

"A citizen," was the response. 

"Advance, citizen, and give the countersign." 

"I haven't the countersign; and if I had, the de- 
mand for it at this time and place is something very 
strange and unusual," rejoined the citizen. 

"An', by the howly Moses, ye don't pass this way at 
all till ye say 'Bunker Hill,' " was Pat's reply. 

The citizen apprehending the situation, advanced 
and cautiously whispered in his ear the necessary 
words. 

"Right! Pass on." And the wide-awake sentinel 
resumed his beat. 

For two years Colonel Harrison had served con- 
tinuously in the field, and with a heart swelling with 
gratitude he received the joyful news that General 
Sherman had recommended a furlough for his much 
wearied and debilitated troops. Colonel Harrison 
longed to be with his wife and dear ones once again, 
and share with them the joys and sorrows of home, 
and still serve his country by arousing the men to 
greater diligence in the affairs of the State for the 
preservation of the Union. 



178 BENJAMIN HARRISON 

On receiving his leave of absence, September 12, 
1864, he hastened home, and presented himself to Gov- 
ernor Morton for whatever use he could make of him. 
He was informed that his leave of absence had been 
granted so that he might make a systematic canvass 
all over the State for recruits. This work was one 
fraught with many discouragements, but unlike some 
others, he had determined to bring Indiana up to her 
best work. 

From direct information from the South, Indiana 
learned that the Secessionists were better prepared for 
war than the North. Rebel sympathizers were scat- 
tered all over the Hoosier State. She was hampered 
in many ways. The departments at "Washington were 
being rapidly depleted by resignations ; dissatisfaction 
was felt by the officers, because the places of trust were 
filled by men who furnished information to the officials 
in the South. The absence of the war vessels filled the 
country with alarm, seventeen being in foreign ports. 

Eussia, of all the great powers, was friendly to the 
United States, and many of the others would have re- 
joiced to see "the land of the free and the home of the 
brave" torn asunder. 

Harrison, having an undying hatred to sham and 
pretense, entered most heartily into compliance with 
Indiana's War-Governor to uproot the people's indolent 
exclusiveness, showing that one would better be belig- 
erent than truckle or bow down to unjust authority. 

His task was ended on the following November. Im- 
mediately he made preparations to join Sherman, who 
was actively engaged in opening a new campaign. But, 
"man proposes, and God disposes"; and he failed to 



BENJAMIN HARRISON 179 

participate in "Sherman's March to the Sea." Having 
reached Dalton, Georgia, he found it impossible to force 
the blockade. 

The danger that threatened his men was an ever- 
present check to what might have been most disastrous 
action. Always the heroic Christian in the tumult of 
war, fearing God, he was consistent in every act, and 
commanded the respect of those daily associated with 
him by his gentleness ; his varied and thoughtful kind- 
nesses won for him the esteem and lasting gratitude of 
many. During the stay at Nashville, holding the left 
defenses of the city, the heavens let fall a continuous 
shower of snow and sleet ; the earth was covered with 
a sheet of ice, and the cold was intense. The soldiers 
were so severely bitten by the frost that they never re- 
covered ; many died on the picket lines, and were found 
stiff and stark completely covered with frozen sleet. 
This condition continued for some days. 

"It was during one of these cold days," says Mr. 
Richard M. Smock, of Indianapolis, "that I saw a man 
approaching from the direction of the officers' head- 
quarters. I halted him, and when he gave the counter- 
sign and advanced I saw it was General (then Colonel) 
Harrison. He carried a large can filled with hot coffee, 
and when I asked him what he was doing, he said he 
was afraid some of the pickets would freeze to death, 
and he knew some hot coffee would help the men to 
keep alive. He believed there was no need of "the can- 
teen" in his regiment. He was the most welcome visitor 
I ever met, for I really believe I would have frozen be- 
fore morning had not the coffee been brought. 

"After leaving me he passed on to the other pickets. 
His act was one of loving kindness. The men on duty 



180 BENJAMIN HAEEISON 

were nearly all from his regiment, and his personal 
friendship for them induced him to get up out of his 
comfortable quarters at dead of night, prepare that 
coffee and bring it to us." 

It is such sacrifices that stamp the true Christian. 
"As ye did it unto one of the least of these my brethren, 
ye did it unto me," comes down through ages, placing 
the "white stone" in the hands and the Father's name 
upon the foreheads of such Americans. 

While Bragg 's troops were on retreat from Murfrees- 
borough, ragged, hungry and weary, he was met by a 
wild Texas tatterdemalion, bareheaded, barefooted, and 
who wore in lieu of a shirt a rusty-looking hunting- 
shirt. They were about to pass on when this specimen 
of humanity attracted his attention. 

"Who are you?" asked the Major General. 

"Nobody," was the answer. 

"Where did you come from?" 

"Nowhere." 

"Where are you going?" 

"I don't know." 

"Where do you belong?" 

"Don't belong anywhere." 

"Don't you belong to Bragg 's army?" 

" Bragg 's army! Bragg 's army!" replied the chap. 
"Why, he has got no army! One-half he shot in Ken- 
tucky and the other half has just been whipped to death 
at Murfreesborough !" 

Bragg asked no more questions, but turned and 
spurred away. 

The darkest days are the good man's opportunity and 
happy is he who can seize it. General Harrison was no 
theorizer, but one whose life was marked by the rule of 



BENJAMIN HARRISON 181 

conviction straight and plain ; broken it often was by a 
curve checked by works of true charity. 

General Harrison outstripped his grandfather in the 
number of battles he fought. From the first attack at 
Resaca, till he was mustered out as Brigadier-General 
in June, 1865, he never faltered; his strict adherence 
to duty, his unflinching heroism and self-possession in 
action, his discipline and unwearied care over the com- 
fort and welfare of the troops, gave him such a wonder- 
ful influence over their conduct that no commanding 
officer ever had better service in camp or afield. 

Mr. William Wallace relates the following touching 
act of tender mercy unparalleled during the War of the 
Rebellion. It was after the battle at New Hope Church. 
He says: 

"That night, when the firing ceased, Colonel Har- 
rison had his dead collected for burial. His wounded 
he had taken to a little frame house standing a short 
distance in the rear, and sent for his surgeons. Unfor- 
tunately they had separated from the command in the 
darkness. Anxious, solicitous and sympathetic, in their 
absence the Colonel turned surgeon himself. Taking 
off his coat and rolling up his sleeves to his eblows, he 
set to stanching the wounds. 

"He said, speaking of the circumstance; 'I do not 
know whether I did any service ; I tried to.' He caused 
some tents to be torn up for bandages, and worked in- 
dustriously several hours before the surgeons appeared. 
When they came into the improvised hospital they 
found him covered with the blood which he had striven 
to stop. In the dim flickering light of candles stuck in 
the floor, he looked like a butcher, instead of a Samari- 
tan. The survivors of his treatment never forgot his 



182 BENJAMIN HAERISON 

tenderness and the sympathy he showed by look, voice 
and action." 

Many incidents of his bravery troop in upon us. We 
quote the following : 

General John Coburn, speaking of General Harrison 
at Peach Tree Creek says : 

"Line after line of rebels came over the ridge toward 
us. On the left of my brigade they met with no resist- 
ance until I rode to Colonel Woods and asked him to 
advance, which he did, losing heavily and filling up 
the gap toward the 4th Corps. About this time Gen- 
eral Harrison and his men, on our right, rose up and 
charged up the hill with terrific power. My brigade 
was not slow to get up and rush forward. The rebels 
came down hill into and through our ranks pell-mell, 
dropping their arms and surrendering. Colonel Woods 
continued his advance on the left, and soon the ridge 
was ours. 

"General Harrison was the personification of fiery 
valor, with voice and gesture urging the furious 
charge. We could see the divisions on our right and 
left give way in apparent confusion; a regiment was 
surprised on the right with their arms in the stack ; a 
battery was captured, and on the left a host of fugi- 
tives scattered toward the rear. But our advance 
seemed to give them encouragement — they rallied and 
retook their lines. 

"Our soldiers were furnished afresh with a supply 
of new Enfield rifles on the field ; the gun-straps were 
not soiled. I never saw on any battlefield dead and 
wounded in such numbers and so close together. It 
was a complete surprise to us all. General Hood had 
just that day taken command, with orders to fight, 



BENJAMIN HARRISON 183 

and fight all the time. Johnson, by his caution had 
made us careless. We were not looking for such a mad 
rush. No man in the Union Army that night stood 
higher than General Harrison for heroism. Had he 
been a West Pointer his promotion would have been 
ordered by telegraph." 

He was not without honor, however. As the earnest 
student after truth, being profoundly influenced by 
the spiritual and practical philosophy of the Bible, he 
found in it "history, biography, poetry, drama, coun- 
sel, expostulation, denunciation, vision of seer, legis- 
lation of statesmen, and, highest of all, in literary as in 
moral excellence, the simple picturesque talks of the 
great Teacher, who spake as never man spake." His 
mother's Book had always been to him the man of his 
counsels. It had extended his sympathies and culture ; 
helped him to early display an element of national 
spirit that was sound and healthy. 

An essential element of success in politics and trade, 
as well as in learning, is the cultivation of the imagina- 
tion, and culture need not interfere with the discharge 
of duty in the most prosaic spheres of business. He is 
a striking example of the successful combination of 
business with culture. He has left in the lives of those 
with whom he associated the reflection of the essential 
greatness of at least one man — one who lived above the 
world's worries and perplexities. His early choice of 
law as a professional cultivated his imagination, for he 
entered into each case with the conviction that he him- 
self felt the situation of his client. His patriotism was 
based upon upholding the Government and her law. It 
was his sole ambition to assist in making and execut- 
ing her laws. All these hopes have been crystallized 



134 BENJAMIN HAKRISON 

into action, and the people were not loth to testify to 
his ability. 

"No stream rises higher than the spring from which 
it comes." So Benjamin Harrison gave undivided at- 
tention to those principles so well grounded in the 
Farmers' College in Cincinnati, when in companion- 
ship with such men as the late General Henry M. Cist, 
Murat Halstead and Whitelaw Reed, he became, not a 
figurehead, but an acknowledged leader in the debates, 
and many prophesied for him a great future in politics. 

He did not realize at that time, nor did his friends 
fully esteem his worth. It was after his marriage and 
many trying experiences that it was with some re- 
luctance he entered political life. Life's great emer- 
gencies try the temper of men and its power. Having 
once buckled on the "armour" he manifested no in- 
clination to lay the burdens of his own State aside. 

Indiana had been one of the "doubtful" Northern 
States of the Union. Harrison, it will be remembered, 
had been appointed by "War Governor" Morton when 
on his leave of absence from Sherman's division to re- 
cruit the State. It took all the force, personal contact, 
patriotism and zeal of the combined efforts of "War- 
Governor" Morton, Colonel Harrison and others to se- 
cure its quota of troops. The two political parties had 
been equally matched in their leaders ; Governor Hen- 
dricks as popular with the Democrats as Governor 
Morton with the Republicans; these men were strong 
in that they each had a working force that meant to 
win. To be successful each felt that he must redouble 
his diligence, and, as it were, force an issue. In 1876 
Governor Hendricks was nominated Vice-President 
with Mr. Tilden. This event made it imperative that 



BENJAMIN HAERISON 185 

the best man be placed on the ticket. Therefore came 
his faithful and consistent action; a ready acknowl- 
edgment from the people of his adopted State. 

The confidence found in other States during the elec- 
tion period is sadly wanting here. We never know the 
value of anything until we feel the want of it. All at 
once the strength of the Republican party was made 
manifest in the selection of Benjamin Harrison, who 
could meet the wants and desires of the party. "Com- 
ing events cast their shadows before." He absolutely 
refused to allow his name to be used as candidate for 
Governor. This was a great disappointment to the 
people, but no persuasion could induce him to alter his 
decision. Godlove S. Orth was nomniated in his stead, 
but upon finding that he was not their unanimous 
choice he withdrew his name. 

General Harrison with his family had taken a much- 
needed rest, and was at this time on the northern shore 
of Lake Superior. Away from the United States mail, 
and far beyond any telegraphic communication, he 
hoped to rest in peace. While resting at Machinaw he 
picked up a Chicago daily, many days old. He read 
of Mr. Orth's withdrawal. The Central Committee, 
true to their whilome friend, substituted the name of 
General Harrison. 

At Fort Wayne he was officially apprised of their 
decision. Reaching Muncie he was met by a large and 
enthusiastic delegation, who in the name of justice 
urged upon him the advisability of acceptance. 

Everywhere along the homeward journey he was im- 
plored and entreated to save the State from utter de- 
moralization and the party from corruption. Indiana 



186 BENJAMIN HAERISON 

must be solid for Rutherford Birchard Hayes, the Re- 
publican candidate for the presidency. 

Feeling keenly the disruption in his party, and know- 
ing the strength of the united forces in the Democratic 
party, he yielded to the earnest and repeated solicita- 
tion of his friends, and became the saviour of the 
Republican party in Indiana. 

The contest was the most heated, most exciting that 
had taken place since before the war. It had for its 
end not only local interests, but national as well. Gen- 
eral Harrison was a man of refined culture and when 
the nomination was confirmed, he well knew the char- 
acter of the man who opposed him. 

The Democrats had chosen Mr. Williams, a man no 
less a gentleman. He made no attempt at speech-mak- 
ing, but gave the people what he believed to be "good, 
sound sense and excellent judgment." He had a knack 
of handling men to the best purpose ; his ungainly 
appearance, combined with an apparent simplicity and 
stupidity of manners, won for him admiration. His 
blue- jeans suit made him admirers where more fluent 
and fine broadcloth would have failed. "Blue- Jean 
Williams," as he was called, was of the purely Jack- 
sonian Democracy. 

Although General Harrison received two thousand 
votes in excess of any previous Republican, yet he was 
defeated. His own county, Marion, gave him a ma- 
jority of sixteen hundred. The Republican ranks were 
depleted by the votes for the Greenback party to the 
number of thirteen thousand votes. 

"With charity to all and malice toward none," he 
retired from the political arena, carrying with him 
the confidence and esteem of all. But such men can 



BENJAMIN HARRISON 187 

not be lost in the maelstrom of private business. They 
belong to the State, and in time the people again 
called for a leader. 

In 1878 he was given the honor of presiding at the 
State Convention, and in 1880 was elected to the posi- 
tion of Chairman of the Indiana delegation at the 
National Convention at Chicago. At this assemblage 
it was apparent that the honor was to be given to 
James G. Blaine. Indiana in her final ballot of twen- 
ty-nine votes honored Ohio again by carrying the day 
for James A. Garfield. 

After Harrison's refusal to allow his name to be 
used for the first nomination he entered most heartily 
into the canvass, and in company with Mr. Garfield 
went to New York. At every convenient stop his voice 
was raised in convincing speech both in Ohio and en 
route. Such was Mr. Garfield's appreciation of his 
friend's service that he tendered him a place in his 
Cabinet, that he might the more profit by his wise 
counsel. 

Mr. Harrison declined, believing he could do his 
country better service in his new office in the United 
States Senate ; in which department of the Govern- 
ment he served quietly, but effectively, for the next 
six years. 

While a native of Ohio, Indiana feels a just pride 
in the son and grandson of the man who pioneered the 
State, and rid her of the quarrelsome, dissatisfied In- 
dians. For many years a resident of Indianapolis he 
had grown into the hearts of the people. "None knew 
him but to love him." He exhibited the highest ex- 
cellencies of mind and heart. His life was one hid 
with God, and though a man little given to much 



188 BENJAMIN HAERISON 

speech, he was at all times an attentive hearer; at all 
times and under all circumstances a living example of 
integrity and personal purity, a fit type of that great- 
ness that springs from abodes sweet with the aroma 
of the highest ethics attainable in this life. 

Is it any wonder that his friends and neighbors 
sought to do him honor, in offering to him the best 
gift in their power, namely, that of the Chief Magis- 
trate of this great commonwealth of these United 
States? No offensive personalities were indulged in 
during the campaign ; both Mr. Harrison and Mr. 
Cleveland being thoroughly respected; and both being 
identified with the Presbyterian Church, no invectives 
were indulged in. 

There were heralds of a brighter day in the elec- 
tion of Benjamin Harrison and Levi P. Morton, in 
1888. Three important issues of the campaign were : 

First — Taxation. 

Second — Tariff Reform. 

Third— The Surplus. 

The Republicans demanded a tariff for protection; 
a reduction of the revenue by the repeal of taxes on 
tobacco and on spirits used in the arts, and by the ad- 
mission, free of duty, of foreign-made articles, the like 
of which are not produced at home. 

The Prohibition and United Labor Parties also 
placed candidates in the field. 

Harrison and Morton were elected March 4, 1889. 

The American citizen had reached that state whec 
he could hear intelligently, and draw his own conclu- 
sions in a calm, dispassionate manner, and allow the 
opposition of his rights without let or hindrance. Gen- 
eral Harrison was declared elected by the electoral 



BENJAMIN HAKEISON 189 

vote by a majority of 67 votes, the vote being 233 to 
165 for Mr. Grover Cleveland. 

Harrison had rendered valuable service by his ad- 
vocacy in favor of: 

First — Protective Duties. 

Second — Civil Service Reform. 

Third — Restoration of United States Navy. 

He was nominated by the convention on the "Pro- 
tective Tariff" platform. It was a most exciting cam- 
paign, the tariff becoming the controlling issue. The 
popular vote for Mr. Harrison was 5,439,853, and for 
Mr. Cleveland 5,340,329. 

Indianapolis had been a scene never to be forgotten ; 
the "Blue Jeans" had been in evidence in the corri- 
dors of the hotels, with friends. The Hoosiers had met 
each day exuberant at the election returns. Perfect 
harmony prevailed, while Harrison, who was the pivot- 
al figure, took his accustomed walk each day among 
the people. Everywhere he was greeted with enthu- 
siasm and a hearty handshake. 

According to his custom since a boy, he took his 
accustomed seat in the First Presbyterian Church. 
For thirty years, in company with his wife and chil- 
dren, he had attended divine service in this place. The 
attendance was very large, for the news had gotten 
abroad that the occasion was to be a formal farewell 
to the President-elect and his family. At the close of 
his sermon, the Pastor, Rev. M. L. Haines, spoke words 
that will live in the hearts of "The Harrisons" as long 
as a descendant lives: 

"Before these services close I cannot but bear in 
mind that which today is prominent in the thoughts 
of all — the fact that this is the last service prior to 



190 BENJAMIN HAERISON 

the departure from among us of one who for more than 
a third of a century has been identified with this 
Christian church as a member and officer. When new 
members come to our communion we bid them welcome 
in the name of our God; certainly it is not unfitting 
when long-tried and honored members go out from us 
for a season to places of influence and responsibility 
elsewhere, that we should tender to them the heartfelt 
assurance of our godspeed. * * * This is not the 
place nor the time for words of more congratulation, 
however sincere. Our sense of personal esteem and of 
gratification over your elevation to the Chief Magis- 
tracy of this nation is today overshadowed by the nec- 
essity of separating, and especially of the sense of the 
serious, the solemn responsibilities which no man on 
earth is qualified to meet in his own wisdom and 
strength. For unto you in no small degree, will it be 
given to influence for weal or for woe the interests of 
sixty millions of people. * * * * 

"We have learned to believe in you; in your per- 
sonal integrity, in your tested, established Christian 
character. Character is superior to achievement. It 
is itself the highest achievement. Office without char- 
acter is nothing. We joy in the anticipation that you 
will exhibit to the people of this nation that crowning 
glory of magistrates and sovereigns, a genuine, broad 
Christianity, pure in its purpose, catholic in its spirit, 
undeviating in its loyalty to duty and to God. * * 

"Unto Moses, overwhelmed by the sense of his own 
weaknesses and deficiencies, Jehovah then gave this 
all-sufficient assurance: 'Certainly I will be with 
thee.' The eternal God is the same yesterday, today 
and forever. May you hear his voice speaking unto 



BENJAMIN HARRISON 191 

you those words He spake to the law-giver of Israel, 
guiding you for the coming task, guarding you from 
threatened perils, and enabling you to lead this great 
American nation forward to higher conditions of free- 
dom and righteousness. * * * * 

"We know that you have set before you as the 
'pole-star' of your public life, to use your own words, 
a patriotic purpose to promote the true glory of our 
country and the highest good of our people. 

"I speak for all members of this church when I say 
that we will hold you and yours tenderly in our hearts, 
and we will remember you at the throne of grace in 
our prayers, ever beseeching the God of our nations, 
unto whom our fathers looked and were lightened, to 
guide you by His counsels, to shield you by His provi- 
dence, to enrich you with heavenly wisdom, and to 
make you perfect in every good work to do His will." 

General Harrison and his wife and daughter, Mrs. 
McGee, were much affected by these splendid inspira- 
tional words. Nor did they raise their heads until the 
close of the eloquent and inspired prayer offered by 
their beloved pastor. 

Every head was bowed while the pastor uttered 
this never-to-be-forgotten prayer: 

"Almighty and Everlasting God: Heaven is Thy 
throne and the earth Thy footstool, and both heaven 
and earth are full of Thy glory. Thou alone art the 
sovereign ruler of nations. Thou givest the kingdoms 
of the world to whomsoever Thou wilt. Thou workest 
all things after the counsel of Thy will. 

"We beseech Thee now to take into Thy holy care 
Thy servant whom Thou has called to be the Chief 
Magistrate of this people. Endow him plentiously with 



192 BENJAMIN HAERISON 

the gifts of Thy spirit. Let Thy wisdom be his guide. 
Let thine arm be his strength. Direct him in all his 
counsels and actions to Thy glory and to the welfare 
of this land, that through him justice and truth and 
peace may abound ; that from him and those associated 
with him in authority they may go out influenced to 
develop the highest interests of our nation, and to 
build up in a yet nobler way, a Christian civilization 
that shall be a benediction to generations yet unborn. 

"And yet together with Thy servant, regard, we 
pray Thee, all the members of this household. Keep 
them under the shadow of Thy wings. Crown their 
lives with the blessings of Thy providence and Thy 
grace. As they go from us, our heavenly Father, we 
commit them into Thy care ; we make this our prayer. 
Wilt Thou, Lord, bless and keep them. Wilt Thou, 
Lord, make Thy face to shine upon them and be gra- 
cious unto them. Wilt Thou, Lord, lift up the light 
of Thy countenance upon them and give them peace. 

"And now unto Him, who is able to do exceeding 
abundantly above all that we ask or think, be honor 
and glory through Jesus Christ forever and ever, 
Amen." 

At the close the congregation joined in singing "Our 
Native Home," and as the tune of "America" rang 
through the edifice there was not a dry eye in the 
house; both General and Mrs. Harrison were visibly 
affected. While the hearty handshaking was in prog- 
ress, General Harrison and his wife and daughter ac- 
companied their pastor to his home to say farewell to 
his invalid wife. 

When he left Indianapolis for Washington, the 
George H. Thomas Post, G. A. R., with the Legion of 
Honor, and others whom he had been accustomed to 
meet around their campfires, gave him Godspeed, and 
in this the people all joined. The public schools were 



BENJAMIN HAKRISON 193 

closed at the recommendation of Major Denny. Long 
lines of happy-faced boys and girls greeted him, and 
in respect waved their flags and strewed flowers on 
his way as he passed between them en route to the 
depot. The President-elect bowed and smiled. At 
the station a dense crowd of admiring friends hailed 
him, and cheered him on his departure, and tearfully 
said "good-bye." 

All nature wept when on Monday, March 4, 1889, 
General Benjamin Harrison ascended the steps of the 
Capitol to be inducted into the highest office the peo- 
ple can give. It was the twenty-sixth presidential 
term. Nor did the torrent cease when he took the oath 
of allegiance to the Constitution, entering in the coun- 
try's second century. Amid a vast concourse of people 
with the attendant military and civic splendor, he 
delivered his inaugural address, every sentence of 
which is fraught with meaning ; though terse it is 
comprehensive in the extreme. Every paragraph is 
rife with patriotism, and so thoroughly American the 
like of which had never been delivered to the people. 
Underlying it all is an undercurrent of sweet faith in 
God and love to his fellow-man. The stamp of Benja- 
min Harrison is in it all. He recognized no North, no 
South. "E Pluribus Unum" is its import. A united 
people abiding in thirty-eight populous and prosper- 
ous States, against thirteen in the first century. Of the 
many recommendations and noteworthy facts, we will 
quote a few: 

"The center of population, when our National Capi- 
tal was located, was east of Baltimore, and it was 
argued by many well-informed persons that it would 
move eastward rather than westward. Yet in 1880 it 



194 BENJAMIN HAERISON 

was found to be near Cincinnati, Ohio, and the new 
census about to be taken will show another stride to 
the westward. 

"The masses are better fed, clothed and housed than 
their fathers were. 

"The influences of religion have been multiplied 
and strengthened. 

"The sweet offices of charity have been greatly in- 
creased. 

"The virtue of temperance is held in higher estima- 
tion. We have not attained an ideal condition. Not 
all of our people are happy and prosperous, not all of 
them are virtuous and law-abiding ; but, on the whole, 
the opportunities to the individual to secure the com- 
forts of life are freer than are found elsewhere, and 
larger and better than they were here one hundred 
years ago." 

Again he says: "The divergent interests of peace 
speedily demanded a 'more perfect Union.' The mer- 
chant, the shipmaster and the manufacturer discovered 
and disclosed to our statesmen, and to the people, that 
commercial emancipation must be added to the polit- 
ical freedom which had been so bravely won. The com- 
mercial policy of the mother country had not relaxed 
any of its hard and oppressive features. To hold in 
check the development of our commercial marine, to 
prevent or retard the establishment and growth of 
manufactures in the States, and to secure the Ameri- 
can market for their shops and their carrying trade 
for their ships, was the policy of European statesmen, 
and was pursued with most selfish vigor. 

"Societies for the promotion of home manufactures, 
and for encouraging the use of domestics in dress of 



BENJAMIN HARRISON 195 

the people, were organized in many of the States. The 
protective policy had then its opponents. The argu- 
ment was made, as now, that its benefits inured to par- 
ticular classes or sections. If the question became in 
any sense, or at any time, sectional, it was only be- 
cause slavery existed in some of these States. But for 
this, there was no reason why the cotton-producing 
States should not have led or walked abreast with New 
England in the production of cotton fabrics. 

"Mill fires were lighted at the funeral pile of 
slavery. The Emancipation Proclamation was heard 
in the depths of the earth as well as in the sky; men 
were made free and material things became our better 
servants. The sectional element has happily been 
eliminated from the tariff discussion. 

"We have no longer States that are necessarily only 
planting States. The cotton plantation will not be less 
valuable when the product is spun in the country-town 
by the operatives whose necessities call for diversified 
crops, and create a home demand for garden and agri- 
cultural products. Every new mine, furnace and fac- 
tory is an extension of the productive capacity of the 
State more real and valuable than added territory." 

Civil Service had been the bone of contention be- 
tween the two parties, and it is well that we take heed 
to the words of one whose duties in that direction 
were watched with more than ordinary vigilance: 

"The duty devolved by law upon the President to 
nominate, and by and with the advice and consent of 
the Senate, to appoint all public officers whose appoint- 
ment is not otherwise provided for in the Constitu- 
tion or by act of Congress, has become very burden- 
some, and its wise and efficient discharge full of diffi- 



196 BENJAMIN HAEEISON 

culty. The civil list is so large that a personal knowl- 
edge of any large number of the applicants is impossi- 
ble. The President must rely upon the representations 
of others, and these are often made inconsiderably and 
without any just sense of responsibility. I have a 
right, I think, to insist that those who volunteer or are 
invited to give advice as to appointments shall exer- 
cise consideration and fidelity. Honorable party serv- 
ice will certainly not be esteemed by me a disqualifica- 
tion for public office, but it will in no case be allowed 
to serve as a shield for official negligence, incompetency 
or delinquency. 

"Heads of departments, bureaus and all other pub- 
lic officers having any duty connected therewith will 
be expected to enforce the Civil Service law fully and 
without evasion. Eetrospect will be a safer basis of 
judgment than promises." 

His expression that he had "no fear for the future" 
put life into many fainting hearts. He says far- 
ther on: 

"No other people have a Government more worthy 
of their respect and love, or a land more magnificent 
in extent, so pleasant to look upon, and so full of gen- 
erous suggestion to enterprise and labor. God has 
placed upon our head a diadem, and has laid at our 
feet power and wealth beyond definition or calcula- 
tion. But, we must not forget that we take these gifts 
upon the condition that justice and mercy shall hold 
the reins of power, and that the upward avenues of 
hope shall be free to all the people. 

"I do not mistrust the future. Dangers have been 
in frequent ambush along our path, but we have un- 
covered and vanquished them all. Passion has swept 



BENJAMIN HARRISON 197 

some of our communities, but only to give us a new 
demonstration that the great body of our people are 
stable, patriotic and lawabiding. When the harvest 
from the fields, the cattle from the hills, and the ores 
of the earth shall have been weighed, counted and 
valued, we will turn from them to crown with the 
highest honor the State that has most promoted educa- 
tion, virtue, justice and patriotism among the people." 
No man took his oath of office with purer inten- 
tions, loftier motives for the pursuance of an honest 
administration than Benjamin Harrison; with a united 
and happy and intelligent family to domicile them- 
selves in the White House. No political question but 
could be weighed by them with sagacity and proper 
consideration. Both foreign and domestic interests 
were alike open to their careful adjustment. The new 
century was pregnant with rich promises from the 
good seed sown in the old by the early settlers. 

1824-1887. 

During Benjamin Harrison's boyhood great changes 
took place in the Ohio Valley. Cincinnati, only five 
miles distant from North Bend, was a good example 
of this progress. Streets were better paved and light- 
ed, the tallow-dip giving place to lamps; omnibuses 
took the place of the covered wagons for the convey- 
ance of people. The constable and nightwatch had 
given place to the police department. Free schools 
had become an established institution. Several rail- 
roads were in operation over the State ; well-equipped 
steamboats plied the Ohio River; and books were 
printed, stimulated by the publication of Harriet 
Beecher Stowe's "Uncle Tom's Cabin." In every city, 



198 BENJAMIN HAERISON 

town and hamlet it was a circulating medium, not so 
much a picture of what slavery was, as of whac it 
might be. "Topsy" was real to the children. "Eva" 
was an angel from the other world, and "Uncle Tom" 
the embodiment of goodness, fidelity and humor. 
Thousands read the book with feelings akin to venera- 
tion, for the woman who wrote it. The anti-slavery 
associations reaped great harvest from its reading. 

In 1847 the Postoffice Department furnished postage 
stamps, and before long no letter could be carried over 
the country which did not have on its wrapper a three- 
cent stamp ; thus obviating the trouble of sending the 
letter to the postoffice with the money, and requiring 
the postmaster to stamp "Paid" on its cover. (There 
were no envelopes in 1840.) 

"While yet a young man Benjamni Harrison was per- 
mitted to enjoy greater comforts and facilities than his 
grandfather had done on the farm at North Bend. 

It was from 1840 to 1860 that the marvelous inven- 
tive genius of the "Yankee" began to show itself. 
For the farm reapers and mowers ; for the home looms, 
improved cooking stoves, and sewing-machines. To 
the country at large had been given railroads, cotton 
gins and cotton presses, printing presses, rubber goods, 
boot and shoe machines; all conspiring to excite labor 
for the increase and perpetuation of home industries. 
How many farm-wives after the labor of the harvest 
fields had been compelled "to stitch, stitch, stitch with 
fingers weary and worn" before the introduction of 
the sewing-machine ; now the use of it is not confined 
to the female portion of the family, but the boys may 
lend a hand, and it has lessened the cost of every kind 
of clothing, and every article that can be sewed. 



BENJAMIN HARRISON I99; 

"With the introduction of these labor-saving ma- 
chines, those dwelling on the Ohio River became richer. 
It is true that the increase in wages was small, yet it 
was secure, for markets were now at easy riding dis« 
tances. With increased railroad and steamboat facili- 
ties oranges, lemons and bananas began to appear in 
the marts of trade. 

Better clothing took the place of the rough home- 
spun worn by Benjamin Harrison's grandparents in 
1830. 

Time was when sixteen hours of labor was consid- 
ered a day. But in 1840, by order of President Van 
Buren, the ten-hour system was established in the 
navy yard and in "all public establishments" under the 
Government. In many departments of labor it has 
since been changed to eight hours. 

Had Samuel F. B. Morse became faint-hearted in 
his slow experiments the world today would be just 
where it was when Benjamin Harrison's great-grand- 
father was over the sea. But "labor conquers all," and 
after seven years, assisted by Alfred Vail, and with the 
aid of thirty thousand dollars granted by Congress, the 
first telegraph line in the world was run from Balti- 
more to Washington. In 1856 the great combine was 
effected which today operates twenty-one thousand 
offices and sends annually fifty-eight million messages; 
and the Western Union Telegraph Company does seven- 
eighths of the entire telegraph business of the United 
States. 

A ring at your door-bell brings a loving message 
from one dear but far away. 

"Will wonders never cease?" was sent all over the 
world when on September 1, 1864, Mr. Cyrus W. Field, 



200 BENJAMIN HARRISON 

of New York, made another attempt to join by a sub- 
marine cable the Old World and the New. 

"Farmers work from sun to sun, and then their 
work is never done." But, a brighter day was com- 
ing. It was a great event when the first "reaper" was 
purchased in Southwestern Ohio. For miles around 
the farmers came to see "the thing work." People 
were slow to handle any kind of a "machine." It was 
not until McCormick had traveled on horseback 
through the wilds of Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky and 
Ohio securing from the farmers written orders for his 
reapers that he prevailed upon a firm in Cincinnati to 
make them. "What would the great grain fields of the 
West do without the two hundred thousand now manu- 
factured annually? 

No more prosperous term of four years passed over 
the country than that of the administration of Benja- 
min Harrison. His constant study of the needs of the 
people was exhibited in every trying emergency, dis- 
playing the qualities of an intelligent statesman and a 
true patriot. 

During October, 1892, he was sorely bereaved of his 
helpmeet. Mrs. Harrison, although for some time an 
invalid, was greatly beloved by all in the White House 
for her amiability and strong helpfulness. 

In the following fall President Harrison was de- 
feated by Grover Cleveland, who was for the third 
time a candidate, and now elected to a second term for 
the presidency. In the spring of 1896 he was united in 
marriage to Mrs. Mary Scott Lord Dimmick, a niece 
of his former wife. Five years later, on the thirteenth 
of March, he was called to his reward at the age of 
sixty-eight years. Ohio and Indiana joined hands in a 



BENJAMIN HAERISON 201 

funeral pageant that for magnificence and numbers 
had not been surpassed since the event of that " Black 
Day," when "The First American" was laid to rest. 

HERE : 

One hundred men both young and old 
On Potomac's ban (the tale is told), 
From house and farm and far and near, 
Lustily, cheerily, answered "Here!" 

A hundred of them marched away, 
Took their first picket, and fought that day 
"With hearts as brave and full of cheer 
As though sure victory were near. 

The roar of guns had died away, 
The men marched on without delay 
While brave boys fell for flag so dear, 

•7? 7S" -JF W ^P 

The ranks grew thinner day by day 
And those who were left were heard to say, 
"Close up the gap, let not the foe 
Discover we have lost a valiant brother's lying 
low." 

Men fell dead without a cry, 
For them the victory was nigh ; 
In forests 's gloom by camp-fire cheer 
Seventy-eight voices answered "Here!" 
From Cold Harbor back to Malvern Hill, 
Cannon and musketry sounded shrill 
Wounded men cursed and groaned so near; 
At Fair Oaks, fifty-two answered "Here!" 

Recruits came in to swell our ranks, 

To help win victories and charge the flanks 

Of the enemy, and haste the day 

When the stars and stripes should float alway. 



202 BENJAMIN HARRISON 

We welcomed them as best we could; 
They knew not how the heartache would 
Rise at the thought of absent mate ; 
To save him, they had come too late. 

South Mountain, Antietam, Manassas, could tell 
Where our brave boys fought, then rallied and fell ; 
Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville and Gettysburg, 
Where from only a few "Here!" was heard. 

At last, Appomattox, surrender and peace, 
Then to Washington hasten for release; 
Survivors gathered for last roll-call ; 
Their names shall be registered once for all. 
Fall in, Company C ! Attention to roll-call, 
Piped the last new sergeant to one and all; 
Whose heart had been touched by loving tales told 
Of missing braves, now stark and cold. 

(From the musty archives of the buried past 
He called the roll while his tears fell fast.) 

"Alsdorf," "Armitage," "Ansen," "Armstrong," 

No one replied, though he waited long ; 

' ' Bloomingdale, " " Benson, " ' ' Benham, " " Berry. ' ' 

"Comstock," "Carnahan," "Carter," "Carey," 

The roll continued a full supply, 

But midst profound silence there was no reply. 

The call continued, "Young," "Yeoman," 

"Yager," 
Still none replied, the recruits stood eager, 
Tin the last call "York" was full of cheer 
As in manly tones he answered "Here!" 

Ninety-and-nine had passed the border 
In hospital wounded, or at death's chill order 
Were numbered among the Union's glory, 
While "York" alone could tell the story. 



BENJAMIN HARBISON 203 

While brave boys about the snare drum rattles, 

Cheering this hero of many battles. 

He stood apart of pride bereft, 

Then turned his shapely head and wept. 

boys in blue ! who read this story, 
In life's battles you seek glory; 
When comes death's call the Captain near, 
Can you cheerily answer "Here?" 



CHRONOLOGY OF WILLIAM McKINLEY, TWEN- 
TY-FOURTH PRESIDENT OF THE 
UNITED STATES. 

1843, Jan. 20, born at Niles, Trumbull County, Ohio. 

1860, Jan. 20, entered Allegheny College, Meadville, Pa. 

1861, June 11, enlisted as Private, Company E, 23d 

Ohio Infantry. 

1862, Sept. 24, promoted from Commissary Sergeant to 

Second Lieutenant for bravery at battles of 
South Mountain and Antietam. 

1863, Feb. 7, commissioned First Lieutenant. 

1864, July 25, promoted Captain, Battle of Kernstown. 

1865, March 14, brevetted Major by President Lincoln 

for gallant service. 
1865, July 26, mustered out of service'. 
1867, March, admitted to the bar at Warren, Ohio, 

after studying law at Albany, N. Y. 
1869, March, elected Prosecuting Attorney, Stark 

County, Ohio. 
1876, November, elected to Congress. 
1888, November, re-elected to Congress for the seventh 

time. 
1892, Jan. 11, inaugurated Governor of Ohio. 
1896, Nov. 3, elected President of the United States. 
1900, June 21, renominated for President. 

1900, Nov. 6, re-elected President of the United States. 

1901, March 4, inaugurated. 

1901, Sept. 6, assassinated at Buffalo, N. Y. 
1901, Sept. 14, died in Buffalo, N. Y. 

204 




WILLIAM McKINLEY 

Born, January 29, 1843 Elected, 1896— 1900 
Shot, Sept. 6, 1 90 1 Died, Sept. 14, 1901 



"William McKinley lived in the grandest age of the world's 
history. He lived in a period when the English-speaking 
people had become the ruling power of the world. He had 
lived to see his own country pass from a minor position among 
the governments of the earth, until it became one of world- 
wide power and influence. A youth upon the battle-field he 
helped bring glory to our flag. As president, calm noble and 
courageous, he knew how to control men. His arguments were 
fair, logical, convincing. On the stump he was without equal. 
He was a 'vote-getter.' As a Christian gentleman he looked 
upon his religious belief as an inheritance which it was his 
duty to guard and keep. Turn the pages of his life o'er and 
o'er and you will not find a career more beautiful in life, more 
glorious and triumphant in death. ' ' 

— Hon. D. D. Woodmansee, Cincinnati, Ohio. 



WILLIAM McKINLEY 

Born 1843, Jan. 29. Died 1901, Sept. 14. 

Ancestry. 

"William McKinley was of Scotch-Irish descent. His 
great-grandfather, David McKinley, took a patriotic 
part in the War of the Revolution. He enlisted in the 
Continental Army in 1776. 

As early as 1814 the family removed to Ohio, and 
from that time the McKinley family have been among 
its most patriotic and devoted citizenes; not seeking 
public notoriety, but remarkable for strength of char- 
acter and integrity, and much a part of the section 
denominated as the Middle States, forming the bone 
and sinew of the Republic. They have been a people 
strong in their ideas of justice, and firm in their con- 
victions of the rights of franchise to both man and 
woman, for the women of Ohio have ever been a strong 
motive power in this commonwealth. 

205 



206 william Mckinley 

Birth. 

William McKinley was born at Niles, Trumbull 
County, Ohio, Jan. 29, 1843. 

This part of Ohio was noted for its iron industries, 
and his father, William McKinley, became a manager 
of one of these iron furnaces. William McKinley, Jr., 
received his first and lasting interest in the protection 
of American industry from his early training at home. 
His mother, Nancy Allison McKinley, says of him : 

"William was one of my eight children, and I do 
not think my bringing up had much to do in making 
my son, William, president of the United States. True, 
I did the best I could, but I could not devote all my 
time to him. He was a good boy, being a healthy one. 
He began to take notice of things while quite young. 
He attended the public school at Niles. The village 
was located in a fine open country, and with plenty of 
outdoor sports and rough work he was kept busy and 
grew strong. 

"He had little squabbles with his brothers and sis- 
ters, as all children do, but it is true to him to say he 
was never the first to pick a quarrel. He was fond of 
his books, and all his teachers said he was very bright. 
He was put to school very early and kept there. His 
education was wholly practical, not theoretical. He 
was not allowed to stay away from school at any time. 
I had little time to assist my children in their studies, 
though I kept track of their work through the report 
of their teachers." 

Mrs. McKinley was a most industrious mother, doing 
most of the household work, except the washing and 
ironing, fashioning all their clothes; never too weary 
to see that they were up in the morning, breakfasted 
and ready for school. How much this meant to her son, 



William Mckinley 207 

William, his after course plainly shows. His life was a 
hard earnest one. 

His father was always an early riser and off to work. 
When the family moved to Poland, he was away from 
home most of the time, and the whole burden fell upon 
the mother. This was in the year 1854, when William 
was eleven years old. The prime reason for this re- 
moval was that the schools were better, but Mr. Me- 
Kinley still retained his work as foundryman at Niles. 

Games. 

Young William was very fond of marbles, and the 
bow and arrow. He was an excellent shot and seldom 
missed his target. "He was his mother's dependence 
for the errands and chores about the house," says his 
mother, "because he always seemed so pleased to help 
me." These services appealed to him by his affection 
for her. But the thing he loved best of all was a kite. 
The kitchen was scarcely ever free of a paste pot or a 
ball of string waiting to help make a kite. He would 
sit on the fence in his bare feet and fly the kite to great 
heights, while the other boys were off into the woods 
or sitting quietly fishing in the sunny brooks. He was 
very fond of swimming in the deep pool on Yellow 
Creek, a little way above the dam. A large black oak 
spread its glistening branches far over the water, mak- 
ing a delightful swimming hole for the boys after 
school on warm summer evenings as they splashed in 
its cool depths. 

At School. 

In the village of Poland William McKinley grew to 
manhood. He was anxious to enter the Poland Sem- 
inary, to which came ambitious young men and women 



208 william Mckinley 

from the adjoining counties, eager for the advantage 
to be derived from the books, and the discipline neces- 
sary to the larger fields of activity and bright hopes for 
success in life. Some engaged rooms and board at two 
dollars per week. Others anxious to be as little ex- 
pense to their families as possible reduced even this 
modest cost by taking a room and subsisting on the 
food sent them weekly by their parents. None consid- 
ered themselves poor. They were all accustomed to 
such close economies, which were necessary on the 
farms at that time, that none of these bright young 
folks ever thought of being ashamed of them. 

Mrs. McKinley, always hopeful, was not averse to 
taking boarders, she herself doing the cooking assist- 
ed by her girls. It was one way in which she could sat- 
isfy her ambition for her boy, as he was an ardent stu- 
dent; but there were times when it looked doubtful 
whether he could go through college and then study 
law; and although his father was frugal, industrious 
and self-denying, at times it seemed almost impossible 
for him to provide for his family, his earnings being so 
small. 

"William was like his father, and did all in his power 
to increase the family income by doing any sort of 
work he could secure during vacation times. But, just 
when the hour seemed darkest, his elder sister, Anna, 
insisted upon him using the money she had saved from 
her school-teaching. Nobly and worthily he repaid her 
loving sacrifice. He was a constant reader. At the age 
of fifteen he began the study of poetry, being especial- 
ly fond of Longfellow, Whittier and Byron. He ex- 
celled in languages and was but fairly "good at fig- 
ures." 



willtam Mckinley 209 

The McKinley family were stout abolitionists. Wil- 
liam was a warm debator, and early imbibed radical 
views regarding the enslavement of his brothers of the 
colored race. His very first debating ground was the 
tannery of their neighbor, Joseph Smith. Mr. Smith 
was a Democrat, as were many of the employes of the 
tannery. Notwithstanding, these disputes sometimes 
ran riot and caused much private discussion; yet no 
ill-feeling was ever manifest toward the young orator 
on these occasions. On the contrary, only waxed hot 
for him among his neighbors, who showed their ap- 
proval by electing him clerk at the Postoffice. This 
brought him in contact with the young men of the vil- 
lage. He had always as a boy shown great affection 
for his sisters, and remained in doors \vith them during 
the holidays, rather than join with the boys in their 
games of ball or cricket on the common. 

"A boy to be good should love his home, his family 
and his country, also to be good men should be honest 
and truthful, not afraid of hard work," said his moth- 
er. "I know "William was a bright boy and a good 
boy, but I never dreamed that he would be President 
of the United States. After all I don't believe I did 
raise the boy to be President. I tried to bring him up 
to be a good man, and that is the best any mother can 
do. The first thing I knew, my son turned around and 
began to raise me to be the mother of a President." 

And there was always a place provided by him for 
his mother on every occasion, both in the carriage and 
at home, and in his departure from his mother he in- 
variably took off his hat to her. 



210 WILLIAM McKINLEY 

As a Soldier. 

He put away childish things when he left home to go 
to war. President Lincoln had issued a call for troops, 
and Poland was to send a company of men to the front. 
This was in June, 1861. There was an old tavern in 
Poland, Ohio, well known by the oldest settlers, having 
been built in 1840. The rafters have since tumbled 
down, and time, that fateful destroyer, has almost 
completed its destruction; yet in that day it was still 
the meeting place of the villagers and all town meet- 
ings were held there. On that occasion the place was 
packed with liberty-loving men and boys. William 
McKinley left his school to hear the speeches. 

One and another harangued the people, and the cli- 
max was reached when one speaker said, pointing to 
the waving American flag: "Our Country's flag has 
been shot at." "And for what?" "That this free 
government may keep a race in the bondage of 
slavery?" "Who will be the first to defend it?" 

William McKinley, our young teacher, eighteen years 
old, full of energy and vim, though scarcely of middle 
height, slender and pale-faced, was the first to step for- 
ward. General Fremont pounded his chest, looked into 
his eye and said : "You'll do." Happy boy to be thus 
familiarly treated by the famous Pathfinder, whose 
thrilling adventures he had read with so much pleas- 
ure. By his example many of the first young men of 
Poland joined him. 

June 11, 1861, they enlisted for three years; no 
man was ever drafted from Poland. They formed Com- 
pany E, called Poland Guards, of the 23d Ohio Infan- 
try, one of the foremost regiments sent by that State to 



william Mckinley 211 

do valiant battle with the Confederacy. They marched 
from Poland to Youngstown, and joined the regiment 
at Camp Chase, Columbus, and then entered into actual 
service. 

William McKinley's enthusiasm weighed heavily in 
the balance against his parents' opposition, on account 
of his youth and his immature physical condition. 

OUR FLAG. 

The wind is high and on its breast 

Behold ! The colors fly, 
And folding o'er its lofty crest 

The beacon tips the sky. 
From right to left on every side 

It flutters in the breeze ; 
Now very low, its staff to hide, 

Then upward, o'er the trees. 

Its eight and forty years will shine 

Upon their field of blue, 
And shield that humble home of thine, 

And guard thy children too. 
Of all ensigns of any land 

None fairer may you see, 
Than that, which graces Freedom's hand 

And blesses you and me. 

From tyranny's strong hand of power, 

Oppression's wanton chains 
It holds most sacred in its dower 

Thy fealty, but disdains 
No valiant patriot in the land, 

Who claims this as his home, 
But with a firm and trusty hand 

Will shelter all who come. 

Then hoist the banner, let it wave, 
And shout ye brave and true ; 



212 WILLIAM McKINLEY 

Did not your sires die to save 
This flag, red, white and blue? 

And as the years go sweeping by 
And break this Veteran band 

Your sons the flag will carry high, 
For God and native land. 

The 23d Regiment had for its Colonel, William S. 
Rosecrans, and for its Lieutenant-Colonel, the friend 
of Benjamin Harrison, that splendid soldier, Honorable 
Stanley Mathews; the Major, Rutherford B. Hayes, 
afterward Governor of Ohio and nineteenth President 
of the United States. 

For fourteen months Mr. McKinley was a common 
soldier, and said: "I always look back with pleasure 
upon those fourteen months in which I served in the 
ranks. They taught me a great deal. I was but a 
schoolboy when I went into the army, and that first 
year was a formative period of my life, during which 
I learned much of men and affairs. I have always beea 
glad that I entered the service as a private and served 
those months in that capacity." He was made Sergeant 
the following April, 1862. 

The 23d in the Civil War. 

"The grand march of Sherman to the sea has its full 
record of events written in many Ohio regiments. 
Grant's great army of assault against Richmond finds 
its struggles and sacrifices in its defeats and its vic- 
tories, fully told in Ohio's past in the war, while Sheri- 
dan's brilliant triumphs in the Shenadoah Valley can 
not be written without Sheridan and the Ohio regi- 
ments,' ' wrote "William McKinley. 

The 23d Ohio, whose first enlistment was for three 



william Mckinley 213 

years, was one of the first original three-years' regi- 
ments mustered into the United States service from 
Ohio, at Camp Chase, on the eleventh day of June, 
1861. In July, 1861, the regiment commenced active 
service in West Virginia, under General Rosecrans; 
and from this time to its muster out, in the summer 
of 1865, was for the most part engaged in active cam- 
paigning. 

"Carnifax Ferry, Sept. 10, 1861, was our first battle, 
famous chiefly because it was our first battle. There 
were few dangers attached to it, and it was the more 
enjoyable because the Rebel General, Floyd, under 
cover of night, evacuated his stronghold and accom- 
modated us by preventing a renewal of the attack on 
the following morning," said Mr. McKinley. "The 
stern necessities of war during the winter of 1861 and 
1862 were preparations for the expedition to Princeton 
always in the advance ; the burning of the village by 
the Confederates, the skirmishes with the retreating 
foe ; the battle with General Heath, against fearful 
odds ; the want of supplies, our beautiful camp at Flat 
Top Mountain, all are a part of my early life as a 
soldier." 

"We pass on to the Army of the Potomac, marching 
on an average of thirty miles a day for three days, to 
the boats that were waiting to transport them to the 
railroad connection. From Washington to Frederick, 
on to Middletown, Sept, 14, 1862, the battle of South 
Mountain was fought, the 23d Regiment taking an ac- 
tive and conspicuous part in this engagement, memora- 
ble for the skill and adroitness of its management, the 
fury of its work and intensity of execution, and has 
stood paramount to any battle at home or abroad. The 



214 william Mckinley 

Lieutenant-Colonel was killed, two hundred brave 
"boys in blue" fell mortally wounded. Yet not dis- 
mayed, the regiment rushed forward by the unequaled 
bravery of its new commander, until Cox's division 
was master of the field. No greater victory at less cost 
was ever gained. 

On Sept. 24, 1862, William McKinley was raised 
from Sergeant to that of Second Lieutenant of the Com- 
missary Department. In March, 1863, he had his first 
regular commission as First Lieutenant of Company 
E, and the following July received his well-deserved 
promotion as Captain. He was detailed as aide-de- 
camp on the staff of Colonel R. B. Hayes. 

He had splendid examples to follow, being alter- 
nately on the staffs of such men as Generals S. S. Car- 
roll, George Crook (the famous Indian fighter), and 
Winfield S. Hancock, "the superb." 

Obeying Orders. 

Colonel R. B. Hayes was forced in the direction of 
Winchester, and "just then," says General Russell 
Hastings, "it was discovered that one of the regiments 
was still in the orchard where it had been posted at 
the beginning of the battle. Colonel Hayes, turning 
to Lieutenant McKinley, directed him to go forward 
and bring away that regiment, if it had not already 
fallen. The young lieutenant turned his horse and 
spurring him pushed at a fierce gallop to the advanc- 
ing enemy. A look of sadness overspread the face of 
the Colonel as he saw the gallant young boy pushing 
forward, almost in the jaws of certain death. 

"No one expected to see him again as he bounded 
over fences, over open fields, then through ditches 



william Mckinley 215 

in the midst of a well-directed fire from the enemy's 
bullets pouring all around him, while exploding bombs 
swept over and before him. All at once, he became 
completely enveloped in the dense smoke of an explod- 
ing shell, and we thought him lest to the country for- 
ever; but, no, he was miraculously saved for better 
things in years to come. Out of the contusion his wiry 
little horse emerged, bearing upon his back the young 
lieutenant firmly seated, and as erect as a huzzar. The 
order was given to the Colonel. In addition he said: 
'He supposed you would have gone to the rear with- 
out orders.' " 

Antietam. 

At the battle of Antietam the colors of the 23d were 
shot down; then quickly replaced, new lines formed, 
another charge and the enemy retreated. R. B. Hayes, 
although severely wounded, to the delight of the offi- 
cers and men was made Colonel; Cox was made 
Major-General. The star took the place of the eagle 
on the shoulders of Crook and Scammon. 

The winter was passed at the mouth of the Great 
Kanawha, West Virginia, thence back to Charleston in 
March, 1863; the 23d followed the movement through 
Raleigh, the long tedious tramp through Ohio after 
John Morgan, the burning of New River bridge, the 
crossing of Salt Pond Mountain, a rocky mountain 
pass, every inch of footing being over boulders whose 
size seemed like mountains. 

At Cloyd Mountain the 23d kept the right of 
the First Brigade, over the undulating meadow the 
troops moved grandly at double-quick; while ball and 
canister fell around them, but seemed to have no 



216 william Mckinley 

perceptible effect upon their lines; they rushed down 
to the ugly stream in full sight and range of the Con- 
federates. Without a halt they dashed into it and 
across it. Stanton was at last reached amid yells and 
heavy firing of musketry. 

At that decisive moment the term of the 23d regi- 
ment expired. What was left of the brave boys was 
enrolled for another three years, for had they not en- 
listed for three years or (the war) ? American pa- 
triotism knows no stint. Treason must be destroyed, 
and the unity of the Nation be secured; brother no 
longer warring against brother. 

Never resting at Browsberg, amid fearful resistance 
pressing on to Lexington; where triumph rests on 
the brow of success, for the Confederates had de- 
stroyed the bridge, taking Lynchburg, attacking and 
compelling the retreat of the enemy, driving them 
back on every hand. But, ''all's well that ends well." 
Nothing could have kept the regiment back for the 
coveted prize, Lynchburg, was within its grasp; 
the morning revealed that during the friendly shades 
of night reenforcement had been sent from Richmond 
to Lynchberg and the chances of the previous hopes 
of victory were lost; and the troops at the mercy of 
the Confederates. 

Surrounded on all sides by excessive numbers, they 
fought two days and two nights without rest or sleep ; 
often without food, marching, fighting, always suf- 
fering. It took the genius of Crook and the steady 
strong hand of Colonel Hayes, and the perfect disci- 
pline of the troops to save the regiment from capture 
and slaughter. Pen can never describe the agony en- 
dured on this retreat. Without murmur, heroically, 



william Mckinley 217 

patiently and courageously they bore it all, like good 
soldiers and true. 

At last Big Sewall Mountain was reached, and foot- 
sore and weary they rested, for here they found rest 
and food for their famishing bodies. From Martinsburg 
with General Crook, thence to Cabletown, and too, 
the surprise and fight at Sincker's Gap. Completely 
surrounded by two divisions of Confederate cavalry, 
urged on to desperation, the solid columns were moved 
down, thence on the twenty-fourth of July, 1864, to 
Winchester. 

The 23d lost one-sixth of its force, and was three 
times recruited, but at no time did it lose its spirit or 
become unmanageable. At the supreme moment Sheri- 
dan advances with a reenforcement of mounted men 
and infantry, and is rightly placed Chief in command. 

Up and down the valley, fighting first at one point 
and then at another. A sharp and decisive encounter 
took place between Hayes* brigade and Kershaw's di- 
vision, resulting in a victory for the Union forces, with 
a complete routing of the enemy and the capture of 
many prisoners. 

It was on the twenty-fifth of July, 1864, William Mc- 
Kinley was raised to a Captaincy. 

On September 3d a night battle was fought at Berry - 
ville, which continued until after ten o'clock. It was 
a grand pyrotechnic display with the flash from the 
musketry and artillery, illuminating the battle-field 
with its brilliancy and tiny jets of electricity. 

The battle of Opequan, near Winchester, occurred 
September 19. Both sides claimed the victory. 

Crook's army was then hurried to the front. Hayes 
dashed away into untraveled morasses, never having 



218 william Mckinley 

felt the foot of man. His faithful steed stood him 
well, ofttimes struggling, sinking and dismounting his 
rider, only to be encouraged to try again. Hayes was 
followed, at his command, by his ever ready 23d to 
dare and do and die, if necessary, over the dangerous 
marsh. Desperate charges are made, and still more 
desperate ones follow. Through grape and canister 
shots, they tramped. The ranks were thinning out, 
then another assault, and the opposing armies met in 
real battle; hark! the death gasp — see! the death- 
struggle! cries of the wounded and dying mingle in 
one long, loud shout of victory. Sheridan's forces had 
the key to the valley of the Shenandoah — Winchester 
was won! 

"William McKinley's gallant action at Cedar Creek 
and Fisher's Hill won for him a tribute from General 
Sherman and he was brevetted Major, for dis- 
tinguished, and gallant conduct. 

Crook is ever memorable for his strategic flank move- 
ment along North Winchester, though most impetuous 
in movement. 

Cedar Creek lives in the memory of the 23d. It 
occurred October 19, 1864. 

The 23d Regiment had its part in the predicted 
downfall of the Southern Confederacy. It was com- 
manded by General S. S. Carroll until the surrender 
at Appomattox. 

And what of the Ohio boy? Always a "mover" he 
fought either in his regiment or on staff duty in the 
Army of the Potomac, and in the Shenandoah Valley 
under the intrepid Sheridan. His first battle was at 
Carnifax Ferry, West Virginia, September 10, 1861. 
He received his shoulder straps one week after that 



william Mckinley 219 

most terrible of all the battles of the Civil War, An- 
tietam 

Battles and Dates. 

1861. 

November 6, Townsend's Ferry. 
November 12, Laurel Hill. 

1862. 
May 1, Camp Creek. 
May 6, Pack's Ferry. 
August 6, New River. 
August 15, In support of Pope's Army. 
September 14, Antietam. 
September 16 and 17, Cloyd Mountain. 

1864. 
May 19, Buffalo Gap. 
June 9, Lexington. 
June 10, Otter Creek. 
June 16, Lynchburg. 
June 17, Liberty. 
June 19, Buford Gap. 
June 20, Salem. 

June 21, Sweet Sulphur Springs. 
June 25, Against Early. 
July 14 to November 28, at Cabletown. 
July 19, Sincker's Ferry. 
July 21, "Winchester and Kernstown. 
July 23 and 24, Martinsburg. 
July 25, Berryville. 
August 10, Halltown. 
August 22, Berryville. 

September 3, Winchester (horse shot under him). 
September 19, Fisher's Hill. 
September 22, New Market. 
October 13, Cedar Creek. 
October 19, Cedar Creek. 



220 WILLIAM McKINLEY 

He was always at the front from his enlistment into 
the Poland Guards until he was mustered out July 
26, 1865, having been in continuous service four years. 
He was never off duty a single day, nor absent from 
his post during battle. He was now only twenty-two 
years of age, a mere boy in years, but a full grown 
man in deeds. One of the ''bravest," knowing well 
the truth of the axiom: "A great man will neither 
trample on a worm nor sneak to a king." Being will- 
ing to obey, he was able to lead and to command. 

As a Lawyer. 

At the age of twenty-two he returned to his mother, 
bringing a commission of "Major." It read as fol- 
lows: 

"For grand and meritorious services at the battles 
of Opequan, Cedar Creek and Fisher's Hill." 

(Signed) "A. Lincoln." 

He was without a profession and destitute of means 
to live on. Many alluring temptations in military life 
were held out to him; the glamour of service, the fas- 
cinations of camp life, the prospect of promotion in the 
regular service would at least provide means of sus- 
tenance for the time being. These allurements were 
enticing, but he had early learned not to advise what 
is most pleasant but what is most useful. He had a 
strong defense in his sister, Anna; a woman of strong 
character and sound judgment. She had been a most 
successful teacher at Canton, Ohio — indeed, she had 
been called the "pioneer" of the McKinley family in 
Stark County. A woman slow to promise, but quick 
to perform a service. 



William Mckinley 221 

William McKinley had no desire to be idle; hence, 
his ready acceptance of the advice of his sister. By 
forceful arguments she prevailed upon him to lay aside 
his uniform and commence the study of law. Obedient 
to the request of his father, he entered the law office of 
Judge Glidden, where he availed himself of his law li- 
brary. From him he imbibed the spirit of exhaustive 
study and early in 1867 he was entered at Albany, 
New York. As a struggling student with his Na- 
poleonic face he won his way by dint of the motto, "a 
penny saved is a penny earned." 

Immediately after receiving his diploma he realized 
Anna's advice to be good and took it. He was admit- 
ted to the bar and repaired to Canton, Ohio. There 
were no flourishes about him, for affectation is a part 
of the trappings of folly, and he knew his only busi- 
ness salvation lay in constant and unremitting work. 
His first case was one of replevin. Having no clients, 
he was still reading law in the office of Judge "W. 
Belden. 

"William, I want you to try the case for me 

tomorrow. I find that I will not be able to attend to it," 
said the Judge. 

"But, Judge," said William McKinley, "I don't 
know anything about it. I have never tried a case in 
my life. I'm afraid I can not do it." 

"Oh, yes you can," said the Judge. "You have got 
to do it. I must go away, and that case is sure to come 
up. Here are the papers," whereupon he threw a 
bundle of papers on the table in front of the young 
lawyer and went out. 

No rest came to his eyelids that night ; he had taken 
up the case to win. 



222 william Mckinley 

"God helps those who help themselves." Strong in 
this conviction he was promptly on hand at ten o'clock 
when the court opened. He heard the witnesses, made 
the argument, and won the case. In the heat of the 
harangue he espied Judge Belden at the rear of the 
courtroom. He needed a friend, and now he had 
found one. The Judge explained his presence by- 
confessing having "put up the job," to test his ability 
as a lawyer, and found him an able advocate. 

The following day he said: "Well, "William, you've 
won the case, and here's your fee," saying which he 
handed Mr. McKinley twenty-five dollars. 

"But," expostulated McKinley, "I can't take that, 
Judge. It was only one night's work. It is not worth 
it, and I can't take it," offering the money back to 
his friend. 

"Oh, yes, you can," was the reply. "You have 
earned the money and you must take it. Besides, it is 
all right. I shall charge my client one hundred dol- 
lars for the work, and it is only square that you should 
have your share." 

The money was accepted. 

Benjamin Harrison had a similar experience — and 
won. 

This success stamped his superiority, and left the im- 
press of his energetic spirit, quick intelligence and 
kindly disposition, for no invectives fell from his lips, 
but he had made an opening for himself by his sudden 
progressiveness and his marked individuality in this 
case. A vein of humor pervaded his actions among his 
clients. At one time being associated with John Mc- 
Sweeney, one of the most brilliant lawyers in the 
State, he convulsed the court-room. 



William Mckinley 223 

It was a suit for damages for malpractice against a 
surgeon, who, it was claimed, had set a broken leg 
so unskillfully that the patient was made bow-legged. 
The leg was bared in the court-room to show how 
far it was out of line. 

Mr. McKinley, for the defense, demanded that the 
plaintiff bare the other leg for comparison. The court 
upheld the demand in spite of McSweeney's protest. 
To the confusion of the plaintiff and his counsel and 
the merriment of the court and jury, that leg was 
found to be the worse bowed of the two. His trousers 
had concealed his natural deformity. 

"My client seems to have done better by this man 
than did nature itself," said Counselor McKinley. 
1 ' Moreover, I move that the suit be dismissed, with the 
recommendation that he have his right leg broken and 
set by the defendant in this case." 

The plaintiff was laughed out of court. 

As a Working-man's Friend. 

"Nothing succeeds like success." Soon after this 
victory he formed a partnership with Judge Belden, 
which only terminated with the Judge's death in 1870. 
The people began to appreciate McKinley 's efforts, 
and elected him Prosecuting Attorney of Stark County, 
in 1869, which office he held several years. 

In 1876, when only thirty-three years of age, he 
was especially distinguished as a noble advocate and 
sympathizer with the wage-workers, and to show their 
gratitude the people of Canton recognized him as the 
leading lawyer in the county, and tendered him a most 
hearty election to the United States Congress. 

He had promised to serve his constituents, and be- 



224 William Mckinley 

lieving that a promise against law or duty is void in 
its own nature, Mr. McKinley set himself to a study 
of the Law Revision Committee. It seemed a thank- 
less task. The House was Democratic and the young 
Republican made no notable speech the first term. 

But, every man is the architect of his own fortune, 
and his studious application and shrewdness in com- 
mittee work did not escape the watchful eye of the 
Speaker, Samuel J. Randall. The young Buckeye was 
marked. At the beginning of his second term he was 
placed on the Judiciary Committee, next to Thomas 
Brackett Reed. This was not to his liking, he prefer- 
ring the "Ways and Means Committee. 

On December 10, 1877, his first speech was made on 
the tariff. In defense of certain iron manufacturers, 
of his district, in that petition he prayed the Congress 
to take no action until it thoroughly inquired into the 
commercial necessity of the country. 

In the following April, 1878, he made his ebullient 
speech on the tariff. 

As a Congressman. 

Congressman McKinley 's advancement began at the 
retirement of James A. Garfield from the Ways and 
Means Committee to accept the Presidency in 1880. 
Mr. McKinley 's appointment to fill this vacancy spread 
over a period of ten years, with the exception of that 
period of the ascendancy of Democratic supremacy in 
the Forty-Ninth Congress, by which he lost his seat. 
His work was most arduous, yet none the less effect- 
ive. 

The Democrats narrowed down the national contest 
within his Congressional district. In 1880 it showed a 



william Mckinley 225 

nominal Democratic plurality of over three thousand 
votes. McKinley was made of heroic stuff; the condi- 
tion of affairs only whetted the spirit of conquest. 
Past honors played no part in the contest. He threw 
his whole energy into the campaign, astonishing his 
most ardent admirers by his undisturbed impetuosity. 
Notwithstanding he carried three of the four counties 
in the district, but was defeated by a small plurality of 
three hundred and two votes. This reduced the Demo- 
cratic majority, and instead of it being his "Waterloo, 
which his opponents most earnestly desired, it became 
his triumph. It terminated McKinley 's Congressional 
term. 

Courtship and Marriage. 

While practicing law in Canton, he realized that it 
was not well for a man to live alone. He had made 
the acquaintance of the beauty of the town, Miss Ida 
Saxton. Her father was the richest banker, and a 
man worthy of the confidence of all men. She was 
a teacher in the Presbyterian Sunday School, while 
he was Superintendent of the Methodist Episcopal 
Sabbath School. Every Sabbath morning they wended 
their way in company to their respective duties. She 
was a young woman after his own heart. Her business 
qualifications were of a marked order. She assisted 
her father in the bank, and the radiant face at her 
desk was an inspiration to the young lawyer as he 
wended his way to his office. She was a lady of ex- 
tensive European travel, refined and cultured. 

With fear and trembling he approached her, to be 
rewarded with an acceptance. Her father confirmed 
her choice, saying: 



226 william Mckinley 

"You are the only man of all that have sought her 
that I would have given her to." 

The marriage took place in the Presbyterian Church, 
in 1871. 

Their home, the gift of Mr. Saxton, was the true 
"Eldorado" of love and affection. Here they went to 
housekeeping, and he returned after his tedious serv- 
ice in Congress, and at the beautiful shaded retreat he 
found rest and peace, after his two terms as Governor 
of the Buckeye State. 

His two children, Kate and Ida, were born in this 
happy place. But their joy was shortlived, for Kate 
only lived to be nearly four years of age, while Ida 
died in early infancy. 

After the death of the second daughter it became 
apparent that Mrs. McKinley would be a confirmed 
invalid. Mr. McKinley 's love and affection went out 
to her in a life-long service. She, by her wonderful 
power of endurance, made of him a strong protector. 
No newspaper paragraph complimentary to her hus- 
band escaped her dainty scissors. No day too long to 
do him service, and the hours were only too short they 
spent in each others' company. With her arm en- 
twined in his they made a striking picture in the 
White House grounds. Her daily ornament for him 
was a bright red carnation, which she placed in his 
button hole before he left for his official duties. 

At Washington. 

His residence, while a Congressman, was at the 
Ebbitt House, but no more welcome guests had Mrs. 
Hayes than the McKinley family. 

William McKinley was not a spasmodic worker, he 



William Mckinley 227 

was painstaking, persistent and methodical. His habits 
were abstemious. His work was confined mostly to 
laborious committee detail. No idle dandier was he. 
His business hours were spent industriously and then 
he hastened home to the one he ardently loved. He 
was a good, pure man. It is said by one: ''His daily 
luncheon consisted of a bowl of crackers and milk," 
which he ate and returned immediately to his work, 
leaving the society of his convivial companions who 
feasted upon terrapin and champagne. 

As Governor. 

This strenuous life won him friends on both sides 
of the House. The way to be truly honored is to be 
truly good. Although he lost his district in 1890 by 
a small margin, still the thinking men of Ohio had not 
lost sight of William McKinley, and when the Repub- 
licans of Ohio spoke, they made the ballot the exempli- 
fication of the fact that William McKinley was to be 
the next Governor, which position he held for four 
years. 

It did not close his passage to wider fields of politi- 
cal preferment; on the contrary no amount of local 
interests could lessen the degree of loyalty and voli- 
tion in making him the recipient of political favors 
from his ardent friends in all parts of the nation. 

After his nomination for Governor, he began an ex- 
haustive canvass of the State, beginning at his birth- 
place, Niles, terminating it at his home city, Canton. 

In 1893, he was renominated, his plurality being 
80,955, the largest and most complimentary ever ten- 
dered a former occupant of the chair. 

His intimate acquaintance with the labor problems 



228 william Mckinley 

made it expedient that his work be along the line of 
authorized arbitration, not that of compulsion, his con- 
viction being that men do listen to reason. The State 
Board of Arbitration was created upon the Massachu- 
setts plan. He made its plan of work a study most con- 
scientious and thorough. 

There were twenty-eight strikes during this time, 
affecting two thousand men. The Board found that 
in fifteen cases they could adjust their claims amica- 
bly. Early in 1895 these two thousand men in the 
Hocking Valley mining district were suffering from 
loss of work and their families destitute. The news 
reached the Executive Mansion at midnight. Imme- 
diately a car loaded with provisions valued at one 
thousand dollars was dispatched before five o'clock 
in the morning to the afflicted district. The news 
spread throughout the state, and Boards of Trade in- 
creased this magnificent gift to upwards of thirty thou- 
sands dollars' worth of clothing and provisions. 

In 1894 Ohio received no less than fifteen calls for 
military protection. In answer to these calls, Governor 
McKinley ordered regiments of soldiers instead of com- 
panies. Said he: "If I order companies there will be a 
fight, but if regiments, then there will be a picnic." 

There was no affectation in this governor. It maj r 
truly be said his administration was democratic in 
that all men were brothers to him. "Affectation is at 
best a deformity." As was the custom an attendant 
was stationed at the door of his office, but as soon as 
the visitor made known his business, he was curtly 
bidden to "go right in." It was not considered an 
intrusion for any person to "want to shake hands with 



william Mckinley 229 

the Governor." His handshake was as hearty as Gar- 
field's. 

His two terms at Columbus as the State's Executive 
were uneventful and consistent with the condition of 
the country at that period of its history. 

His Nomination for President. 

In 1880 William McKinley, by his masterly defense 
of Senator John Sherman for President, stamped him- 
self a patriot and a statesman. He led the Ohio dele- 
gation as he had done back in 1876. But in 1888 he 
doubted his ability to measure up to the standard of 
the true and tried veterans, his seniors by twenty 
years. He emphasized this fact when his friends, am- 
bitious for him, approached him. But the convention 
spoke over his protest. 

On the fourth call for the ballots a Connecticut dele- 
gate cast his vote for William McKinley, from Ohio. 
At this announcement the Buckeye arose and raising 
his hand sought recognition of the Chair. Before he 
had uttered a half dozen words the ''House" set up a 
great shout, "McKinley! McKinley!" which was re- 
iterated all over the Convention. Men of a Conven- 
tion do not work for itself alone, but must respond to 
the voice of the people. Notwithstanding these ex- 
pressions from men burning with enthusiasm, and this 
unanimous call to service, Mr. McKinley, with stub- 
born bravery, said : 

"Mr. Chairman and Gentlemen of the Convention: 
"I am here as one of the chosen representatives of 
my state; I am here by resolution of its Republican 
Convention, passed without one dissenting voice, com- 
manding me to cast my vote for John Sherman, and to 



230 william Mckinley 

use every worthy endeavor for his nomination. I ac- 
cepted this trust because my heart and judgment were 
in accord with the letter and spirit and purpose of that 
resolution. It has pleased certain delegates to vote 
for me. I am not insensible of the honor they would 
do me, but in the presence of the duty resting upon me, 
I can not remain silent with honor; I can not consist- 
ently with credit to the state whose credentials I bear, 
and which have trusted me ; I can not, with honorable 
fidelity to John Sherman, who has trusted me in his 
cause and with his confidence ; I can not consistently 
with my own views of my personal integrity consent, 
or seem to consent, to permit my name to be used as a 
candidate before the Convention. I would not respect 
myself if I could find it in my heart to do, to say, or 
to permit to be done, that which could even be ground 
for any one to suspect that I wavered in my loyalty to 
Ohio or my devotion to the chief of her choice and the 
chief of mine. I do not request — I demand that no del- 
egates who would not cast a reflection upon me shall 
cast a ballot for me." 

His sincerity could not be doubted, and the con- 
vention acceded to his demand, while applauding his 
loyal action. 

In 1884 the Republican Convention convened at 
Minneapolis. Mr. McKinley was chosen chairman. 
When the call "Ohio" was reached the leader of the 
Buckeye delegation announced its entire vote for 
William McKinley. Floor and gallery broke out in 
unbounded applause. Soon requests went up for a 
unanimous vote amid this imposing spectacle, the 
chairman arose sphinx-like. Order was restored. In 
tones at once firm and convincing, he said : 

"I challenge the vote of Ohio." 

"The gentleman is not a member of the delegation 



william Mckinley 231 

at present," said Governor Foraker, who was the 
Chairman of the Ohio representatives. 

"I am a delegate from that state," cried McKinley, 
in tones that could be distinctly heard above the uproar 
and confusion, "and I demand my vote be counted." 

"Your alternate voted for you," Governor Foraker 
persisted. 

After the votes were polled it was found that one 
vote was cast for Benjamin Harrison and that was 
by Major McKinley. Harrison was nominated, and, 
calling Colonel Elliott F. Shepherd to the Chair, Mc- 
Kinley moved that the nomination be made unanimous. 
Cries of "Your turn will come in '96" resounded 
through the excited Convention of one hundred and 
eighty-two delegates. 

1896. 

The country had emerged from the Civil "War tri- 
umphantly, southern homes had been rebuilt, and be- 
come abodes of refinement and culture. Railroads 
cut the waste places of the Nation into sedgy, blossom- 
ing meadows. The telegraph, the telephone, the elec- 
tric light, the aerial appliances; the Nation at peace 
with her sister nations, and all seemed harmonious 
when in 1896 the people of Ohio turned their thought 
to the working-man's friend — William McKinley. 

William McKinley and Hobart.' 

The Republican convention met June, 1896, in the 
city of St. Louis. They were not a unit on the "silver" 
policy or bi-metallic currency. However, Mr. McKin- 
ley was nominated by acclamation on the single gold 
standard. 



232 william Mckinley 

The following November his election testified that 
the Republicans had gained a triumphant and em- 
phatic victory. 

On the fourth of March, 1897, he took the follow- 
ing oath of office : 

"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithful- 
ly execute the office of President of the United States, 
and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect 
and defend the Constitution of the United States." 

The burden of his Inaugural Addresses was an ar- 
dent support of the currency and tariff. Popular re- 
gard was instantly intensified into fervid affection and 
admiration. He indulged in no common-places but, 
with indomitable will and courage of his convictions, 
his magnificent qualities manifested themselves in ut- 
terances potent and devoid of arrogance and bluster. 
Said he, on the great arbitration treaty: 

"The importance and moral influence of the ratifica- 
tion of such a treaty can hardly be overestimated in 
the course of advancing civilization, and may well en- 
gage the best thought of the statesman and the peo- 
ple of every country, and I can not but consider it for- 
tunate that it was reserved to the United States to have 
the leadership in so grand a work." 

Patiently, earnestly, unselfishly he labored to bring 
about universal peace. On the relation of United 
States with foreign affairs, he was fearless ar>d with 
his wonderfully rich and varied experience he spoke 
words of wisdom; said he: "We want no wars of con- 
quest or foreign aggression, or war for any purpose 
until every agency for peace has failed." 



wtlliam Mckinley 233 

A Four Months' War. 

The Nation cried for the freedom of slaves from 
their bondage, and yet another cry went up to the 
All Loving Father, and America heard and answered 
the heartfelt supplication of those bound by bands of 
moral servitude, with a fearless spirit of inquiry the 
nation counting it nothing heroic, or brilliant or im- 
posing in its course, showing no ill temper, at the 
same time bearing with cheerful patience the wick- 
edest attacks upon its motives in succoring the poign- 
ant suffering of Cuba. 

Murat Halstead, a personal friend of Mr. McKinley 's, 
says of him : 

"The time will come, and it will not be long delayed, 
when "William McKinley will be greeted by all rational 
mankind as ever faithful, true and brave, noble, up- 
right, of perfect probity, of absolute courage as a sub- 
ordinate officer on the battle-field, and as the Presi- 
dent in the Cabinet." 

William McKinley was a manly man. He was a man 
of progress ; one who pushed the car with patience and 
was enabled in the first four years to see the harvest 
of his sowing. There was no boast in him. His ex- 
cellence in statesmanship, in the sudden conclusion of 
the war with Spain, and the establishment of justice 
in our relations with the Philippines and the Hawaiian 
Islands will stamp him as the friend of international 
prosperity and peace. 

Directly after his inauguration President McKinley 
called an extra session of Congress, and made haste 
to restore the protective principle to the tariff. Pros- 
perity came with confidence. 



234 william Mckinley 

The construction of his Cabinet weighed heavily 
upon him. At midnight he was aroused by the news 
of the sinking of the "Maine" in Havana harbor. 

Napoleon never uttered truer words than: "If a man 
will surprise the secrets of warfare, let him study the 
campaigns of Hannibal and of Ceasar, as well as those 
of Frederick the Great, and my own." McKinley had 
not studied in vain; no president had by his discreet 
and dignified manner molded the Government to his 
thought more than he. 

Following the plan of Grant, "On to Richmond," he 
massed our small regular army, and with Colonel 
Roosevelt in command of the Rough Riders, wrung a 
victory out of the carnage, near Santiago. 

President McKinley became the literal commander 
of the Army and Navy. His work was prodigious. 
Everywhere his presence was felt; by telegrams from 
fleet and army he kept in close touch with events. He 
observed the same tactics that he had done in war 
times. There is strength in numbers, and he would 
order regiments to the front instead of companies, for 
the moral effect they had on the Spaniards. 

President McKinley was not ignorant of the situa- 
tion in Cuba, and yet he recommended peace. "War 
is business;" actual fighting being incidental to it. 
"The best victories are those which expend least of 
blood, of hemp and of iron. "What experience of 
command can a general have before he is called to 
command ; and the experience of what, one commander 
even after years of warfare can cover all cases?" asks 
one. 

"On the field of battle the happiest inspiration is 
often but a recollection." 



william Mckinley 235 

Hesitation and inaction would cause positive defeat. 
The American Commander in Chief knew that the loss 
of a single battle ship would change the balance of 
power, but with confidence in officers and men rec- 
ommended them to precede decisive action. Hence, 
the order to bring the Oregon from the Pacific to the 
Atlantic. 

Admiral Cervera's fleet was destroyed August 16. 
The only way to have victory is to have too many 
ships, and despite the small navy and distance between 
points of attack came rumors of encounters and mag- 
nificent maneuvers until the United States by her wise 
intervention, freed a conuntry from Moral servitude 
and drove Spain off the coast of the Americas and 
opened up resources abundant in the Philippines. 

Space forbids a detailed account of a war of one 
hundred days; every advantage won by the United 
States, not a prisoner taken, every advance made and 
kept and confidence re-established. A war that more 
firmly united the nation and silenced the vilifications 
of its Commanders. "It is the offensive action, not 
defensive — that determines the issues of war." The 
flying squadron exemplified this ; Dewey at Manila bay 
burst the cork at the moment of expedience. President 
McKinley's name shall go down the annals of time 
""Writ in letters of gold." 

New Possessions. 

Through the medium of many thousands of official 
telegrams the truth of which can not be denied, not- 
withstanding the friction between the President and 
Congress, President McKinley was at the hidden 
secrets of all the maneuvers, and intimately associated 



236 william Mckinley 

with the war business. He was true to all his pledges 
to the Cubans and Filipinos, not alone for possession, 
but since they have been made an accession. It is 
demonstrated that with Porto Rico and the Danish 
Islands we have a commanding position for commerce, 
and Cuba free, a right to govern herself and exalt her 
freedom under "The Stars and Stripes." 

Dewey removed all obstacles from Manila and made 
an open part on the eastern shore toward the China 
Sea. After the "War of the Revolution, Great Britain 
became benevolent and beneficent to her colonies, and 
her strength lay in her interior life, strong in the men 
who represent her interest in colonizing and adminis- 
tering her laws by sea and land. Ideas become actions. 
If the purpose of possession be beneficence, then 
though United States fail over and over, yet she shall 
advance unfailingly. Spain failed because she had 
only self-interest at heart. 

President McKinley (the Head of the Navy) knew 
well "Those who are responsible for results, must be 
responsible for their agents." Hence his direction to 
Admiral Sampson, and the conduct of the Flying 
Squadron, the "actions" of Generals Miles and Shafter 
from early May until July, plainly demonstrate the 
fact that the President knew his agents, and their 
movements carried with them success. 

William McKinley, the great-hearted, large-brained, 
generous man, continued an even line of domestic life ; 
rising at seven A. M., he was ready to assume his offi- 
cial duty, after having studied the "daily" and at- 
tended to that part of his correspondence not assigned 
to his private secretary. Mrs. McKinley 's health con- 
tinued weakly. He left his hotel by the side entrance, 



WILLIAM McKINLEY 237 

turning occasionally to lift his hat and receive in turn 
the flutter of a dainty handkerchief from his beloved 
wife's window. They were never separated except 
during his campaign seasons. They indulged in few 
recreations except rides in an easy carriage from 
which they greeted their many admirers. Mrs. Mc- 
Kinley was a regular contributor to the sufferers in 
hospitals and orphan asylums of knit slippers and 
sacks. Several thousand embroidered slippers she 
made, weaving love and happiness with every stitch. 

They were devout followers of the Lord Jesus Christ, 
both uniting with the Church while quite young. Mr. 
McKinley had been a consistent member of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church since before he enlisted. 

Re-election as President. 

Mr. and Mrs. McKinley retired to their home in Can- 
ton for a rest of but two months, when the second 
call to serve his country came. 

The convention met at Philadelphia. When the roll 
of the states was called, Alabama yielded in favor of 
Ohio, and Senator Foraker took the platform. Said 
he: "Not only on behalf of his beloved State of Ohio, 
but on behalf of every other State and Territory here 
represented, and in the name of all Republicans every- 
where throughout our jurisdiction, I nominate to be 
our next candidate for the presidency, William Mc- 
Kinley." 

The enormous audience "broke loose" and amid the 
parade of States' flags, and with the band playing, 
free scope was given the applause, Senator Hanna 
leading the cheering on the rostrum, and for over 
thirty minutes the business was suspended. 



238 william Mckinley 

Governor Roosevelt was ushered to the platform to 
second the nomination. He had no time for speaking, 
the air was rent with shouts of "Roosevelt ! Roosevelt !" 
mingled with good-natured spurts of ' ' Teddy ! Teddy ! 
Teddy!" A Kansas man yelled "He's a dandy." The 
Governor after waiting patiently raised his hand for 
silence. He said in part : 

"Mr. Chairman: I rise to second the nomination of 
William McKinley, the President who has had to meet 
and solve more problems than any other President since 
the days of mighty Abraham Lincoln. President 
McKinley was triumphantly elected on certain dis- 
tinct pledges and those pledges have been made more 
than good. Now the farmers have a market for their 
goods, the merchant for his wares, and the wage-work- 
er should prosper as never before. Four years ago the 
Nation was uneasy because right at our doors an Amer- 
ican island lay writhing in awful agony under the 
curse of worse than medieval tyranny and misrule. We 
had our Armenian at our very doors, for the situation 
in Cuba had grown intolerable, and such that this Na- 
tion could no longer refrain from interference, and re- 
tain its own self respect. 

"President McKinley turned to this duty as he had 
turned to others. He sought by every effort possible 
to provide for Spain's withdrawal from the island 
which she was impotent longer to do aught than op- 
press. When pacific means had failed and there re- 
mained the only alternative, we waged the most right- 
eous and successful foreign war that any country has 
waged during the lifetime of the present generation. 

"We challenge the proud privilege of doing the 
work that Providence allots us, and we face the coming 
years high of heart and resolute of faith that to our 
people is given the right to win such honor and re- 
nown as has never yet been granted to the peoples of 
mankind. 



william Mckinley 239 

''I rise to second the nomination of William McKin- 
ley." 

The Convention ratified the nomination. He be- 
came the ninth President who had been re-elected by 
the people. He was the third President who had been 
honored in succeeding himself, being preceded by Lin- 
coln and Grant. 

The nomination of William McKinley and Theodore 
Roosevelt was received by the Nation with open arms ; 
and the result was overwhelming and prophetic of 
good. 

William McKinley was an expansionist, country- 
proud, conciliatory and an optimist. He believed in the 
people and through the education of the boys and girls 
in the true principles of patriotism he hoped to see 
the day when all agitation between capital and labor 
would right itself. Said he, addressing the Chicago 
Bricklayers and Stone Masons : 

''Give your children the best education obtainable, 
that is the best equipment you can give an American. 
* * * I do not want any wall built against the am- 
bitions of your boy, nor any barrier put in the way 
of his occupying the highest places in the gift of the 
people." 

Then again at Racine, Wisconsin: 

"This is a Nation of high privilege and great op- 
portunity. We have the free school, the open Bible, 
freedom of religious worship and conviction. We have 
the broadest opportunity for advancement with every 
open door. The humblest among you may aspire to 
the highest place in public favor and confidence. The 
great body of men who control public affairs, come 



240 william Mckinley 

from the humble American home and from the ranks 
of the plain people of the United States." 

When the welkin rang out of Old Liberty Bell in 
1776 it carried "Liberty" over a Nation whose glorious 
triumphs meant admiration mixed with awe. Then in 
1787 the Union made effective by these victories, oniy 
to be cemented into an indestructible Union by the 
holy covenant at Appomattox in 1865. And once 
again in the amicable adjustment of our new posses- 
sions sanctified by the shed of blood of volunteers 
from both South and North at Cuba, Puerto Rico, Ma- 
nila and Santiago, under the leadership of such gen- 
erals as Lee and Wheeler. 

At Home. 

The city of Canton was early astir on notification 
day. Her maple trees never greener, her clean brick- 
paved streets crowded with vehicles bringing thou- 
sands of well-wishers and good friends from the ad- 
joining towns. The beautiful buckeye leaves glistened 
in the sunshine as they had done above these farmers 
and citizens in '96. Once more the lawn was trampled 
by the feet of the faithful. Ever and anon the crowd 
gave vent to their appreciation of his services by loud 
acclamations of "Mack!" "McKinley!" 

From the porch in the presence of his wife and 
mother and fellow-townsmen, he made a speech that 
for directness and lucidity none were greater. 

Courage, foresignt and comprehension of American 
interests had made it possible to wrench single-handed 
Cuba, Puerto Rico and the Philippines from Spain. 
The newly framed policy making America master of 
the Antilles, and the power to hold our possessions on 



william Mckinley 241 

both sides of the Pacific, proved the admirable diplo- 
macy which gave warning to all nations that their 
markets could not be closed against American trade. 

Mr. McKinley had been advised by the committee 
some days in advance so that no point in his inaugural 
address be neglected, but that both the speeches of 
Senator Lodge and the President be in close sympathy 
and perfect harmony touching the administration of 
the past four years, and in simple, clear and business- 
like talks, lay before the people the policy of the event- 
ful years to follow, and moreover, it was not the policy 
of the managers of the campaign that President Mc- 
Kinley stump the country. 

In reply to the eulogies of Senator Lodge, Governor 
Roosevelt and Senator Depew, President McKinley 
summed up his acceptance in the following few 
words : 

"Permit me to express, Mr. Chairman, my most sin- 
cere appreciation of the complimentary terms in which 
you convey the official notice of my nomination, and 
my thanks to the members of the committee and to the 
great constituency which they represent, for this addi- 
tional evidence of their favor and support." 

William McKinley was a sincere man, and when he 
said he was pleased and grateful, the people believed 
him, for he spoke out of the fullness of his heart. Dur- 
ing his first incumbency of the White House he had 
not felt it his duty either to go or take Mrs. McKinley 
to the far West. True, he had made frequent tours 
through the Confederate States and spoken in their 
largest towns, in Montgomery, Richmond, Atlanta and 
Savannah. His speeches in the Middle States and the 



242 william Mckinley 

prairie States are full of varied interest, applicable to 
the section, when delivered. 

The time was ripe for the proposed Trans- Atlantic 
trip. Mr. McKinley had hoped by this to stimulate 
the good feeling into positive action. All along the 
route Mrs. McKinley was welcomed with offerings of 
fragrant flowers and luscious fruit. She kept her seat, 
knitting and nodding to the school-children and the 
immense crowds along the journey. 

William McKinley was the idol of the whole nation ; 
the American most widely famous across the water. 
No shackles bound the limbs of the slave, no padlock 
the lips of mankind. A time when the Nation had a 
comradeship with all nations under the sun. Hence 
his desire to stimulate that feeling and hope that "Jus- 
tice would be done to all." And had Mrs. McKinley 's 
health permitted he would have prolonged and com 
pleted his "Western trip. 

At the Exposition. 

Mrs. McKinley 's health had so much improved that 
on the morning of the fifth of September she accom- 
panied Mr. McKinley to the Pan-American Exposition 
at Buffalo, New York. With an escort of mounted 
police and a guard of the signal corps they proceeded 
from Mr. Milburn's residence on Delaware Avenue, to 
the Exposition grounds The cavalcade was cheered 
all along the route. The carriage containing the Presi- 
dent and his wife was showered with flowers. 

On the grand stand President Milburn arose and in- 
troduced the speaker of the day as : 

"Ladies and gentlemen, the President." 

Following his farewell address, the President held 



WILLIAM McKINLEY 243 

an impromptu reception, shaking hands with thousands 
of visitors. Mrs. McKinley was taken to the Woman's 
building and entertained by the women managers. 
After the reveiw of the troops the President visited the 
Agricultural Building, proceeding to those of Hondur- 
as, Cuba, Chile, Mexico, Porto Rico and Ecuador, 
where the commissioners of the foreign countreis did 
him honor. 

A party of friends and the presidential party spent 
the same evening enjoying the magnificent illumina- 
tions. But a serpent lurked in the darkness. He lis- 
tened to that man, whose eyes ofttimes glistened with 
tears from the deep emotions welling up within him ; 
the man who had vitalized and civilized the islands of 
the sea. This fiend in human shape pressed his way 
upon him, but the stalwart guard kept him back. He 
entered the Stadium by a rear entrance, but again he 
was foiled. 

In the afternoon of Friday the President entered 
the Temple of Music. The miscreant was there before 
him. "With his hand encased in a handkerchief he 
pushed his way up to the receiving line. Smiling 
kindly the unsuspecting President extended his hand, 
and as was his habit would have drawn the fiend to- 
ward him by his left hand. He did not look into the 
President's face nor take the proffered hand, but the 
villain fired twice and made an effort to fire a third 
time when he was struck a terriffic blow. 

The District Attorney asked: 

"Did you mean to kill the President?" 

"I did," was the reply. 

As the first bullet struck the President, he lifted him- 



244 william Mckinley 

self on his toes and sighed. Then the assassin fired a 
second shot in the abdomen. 

His first words as he fell into Detective Grary's 
arms were: 

"Am I shot?" 

"I fear you are, Mr. President," was the reply. 

In an instant the assassin was seized by S. R. Ireland, 
United States Secret Service man, who hurled him to 
the floor, where he was trampled upon by a brawny 
negro waiter, James B. Parker, who would have crushed 
him to death. Detective Gallagher tore away the hand- 
kerchief and secured the revolver. Then the military 
guards carried him out of sight. 

Supported by the detectives and President Milburn, 
ably assisted by Secretary Geo. B. Cortelyou and the 
ex-officials, the wounded President was placed in a 
chair. No outcry escaped him. He was conscious, and, 
despite great physical suffering, his heart went out to 
his beloved wife. With a long-searching look in Mr. 
Milburn 's face he gasped, "Cortelyou!" " — my wife, 
be careful about her. Don't let her know." 

Pressing his hand his Secretary assured him his 
wishes should be carried out. 

The wounded, suffering President writhed in agony, 
raised his right hand, stained with his own life blood, 
and in a voice full of loving kindness said: "Let no 
one hurt him," when he saw the dastardly villain was 
lifted from the bloody floor, where he had been 
trampled down, out of sight. 

In nine minutes after the assault, in company with 
Secretary Cortelyou and President Milburn, the still 
conscious President was conveyed upon a stretcher in 
the Exposition ambulance to the emergency hospital. 



william Mckinley 245 

Surgeons of world-wide reputation were soon in at- 
tendance. 

The first bullet struck the breast, but the deadly 
second struck the abdomen and was never found. Fully 
assured of the competency of the operating surgeons, 
he made ready to take the ether, saying: 

"I am in your hands." 

The same spirit pervaded his countenance that had 
illuminated his face when at the age of fourteen years 
he knelt at the Methodist altar and arose with mar- 
velous, dazzling light radiating his whole features. 
He then and there dedicated himself voluntarily, un- 
reservedly and irrevocably to the service of his Master. 

Hark ! he prays : 

"Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done." 

Tears unbidden ran down the cheeks of Dr. Mynter. 

Again his voice was raised in supplication: 

"Thy will be done." 

Dr. Mann could not proceed with his work ; his keen 
knife lay idly in his hand. 

The President sinking slowly into that sleep that 
perhaps might end all, whispered: "For thine is the 
kingdom and the power and the glory." There was 
an awful silence. He was in communion with "The 
man of sorrows and acquainted with grief." 

Sept. 6, 1901— On this dark day William McKinley 
had suddenly grown more precious. He had gained a 
full measure of the people's confidence. He was a 
noble, enlightened, placable and generous ruler. He 
had had joy in the glory of his work. His patriotism 
and purity, his courage and patience, his faith and 
piety, now showed itself in his tenderest compassion 
to his invalid wife, his calm resignation, which has 



246 william Mckinley 

suddenly created a great purposeful solemn thought 
and the peroration of his life was mightier than all 
that preceded. 

The physicians and the Nation were ever hopeful of 
his recovery. At the time of his assassination the 
President was to all appearances in better physical 
condition than at any time during his Presidency. He 
had no organic disease. After the rest of three months 
in Canton, he and Mrs. McKinley had hailed with joy 
the prospect of a rest from official responsibility at the 
Exposition. 

Five days elapsed after the operations, void of 
alarming symptoms. If the people were deceived as 
to his real conditions, it is safe to say it only proves 
the inability of the finite mind to conceive the design 
of the "Great Physician." 

The Last Day. 

"Ere the sun went down, and the leaves he loved 
turned their faces to the western horizon it was evi- 
dent that the end was near. Oxygen had been admin- 
istered regularly, but at last it was no longer capable 
of rousing him from the deadly sinking spells. The one 
hour and forty minutes dragged slowly by. At 7:40, 
in a clear voice, he chanted the words now dear to 
every American heart: 

"Nearer, My God, to Thee." 

Bending over his emaciated form Dr. Mann listened 
to his last message as he slipped quietly into the Gates 
of New Jerusalem: 

"Good-bye, all; good-bye. It is God's way. His 
will be done." 

At 8:30 he was slowly sinking, on through the long 



william Mckinley 247 

hours of the night, but about 2:15 A. M. on the four- 
teenth day of September, 1901, William McKinley, with 
a face radiant with that enduring peace with which 
he had sought to lift men God-ward, passed to his re- 
ward. The words of the immortal Nelson, "Thank 
God I have done my duty," were never more beauti- 
fully exemplified. 

The following certificate of death was issued Sep- 
tember 15 : 

"City of Buffalo, Bureau of Vital Statistics, County 
of Erie, State of New York." 
"Certificate and record of death of William McKin- 
ley." 

"I hereby certify that he died on the fourteenth of 
September, 1901, about 2:15 A. M., and that to the 
best of my knowledge and belief the cause of the death 
was as here underwritten : 

"Cause — Gangrene of both walls of stomach and 
pancreas following gunshot wound. 

"Witness my hand this fourteenth day of September, 
1901. 

H. R. Gaylord, M. D., 
H. Z. Matzinges, M. D., 
James F. Wilson, Coroner." 

"It is over; the President is no more," came like a 
thunderbolt across every telegraphic wire. The Na- 
tion had hoped against hope for his recovery. The 
members of his Cabinet, Honorable Lyman J. Gage, 
Secretary of the Treasury; Honorable John D. Long, 
Secretary of Navy; Honorable James Wilson, Secre- 
tary of Agriculture ; Honorable Charles Emory Smith, 
Postmaster General ; Honorable John Hay, Secretary 
of State; Honorable Elihu Root, Secretary of War; 
Honorable Ethen Allen Hitchcock, Secretary of In- 



248 william Mckinley 

terior, and last, but not least, the Vice-President, were 
all present at the Milburn residence. They forgot for 
the nonce that William McKinley was President. He 
was their best beloved brother and friend. 

Secretary Cortelyou kept them informed as to the 
President's condition. One by one with tear-stained 
cheeks they ascended the stairs to catch a last look 
at him when they had sworn to defend and perpetuate 
the principle of the gospel of peace. Silence too sacred 
for words was broken only by the wild rush of water. 
The heavens wept. The lightning rent the heavens. 
All nature seemed deluged in tears. The Milburn 
house was a scene of lamentation, and the storm in its 
fury bore testimony that God was chastening, afflict- 
ing, punishing, visiting his children; yet in pity, in 
tenderness, in reverence, the people knew that "Wil- 
liam McKinley had triumphed over the lion of wrath- 
ful opposition, and had carried off the prize set for him 
at the end of the race. 

Severing of Tender Ties. 

"The Lord tempers the mind to the shorn lamb." 
Mrs. McKinley was stronger at this period than she 
had been for months. Her life was hid in her suffering 
one, and with the same undying confidence he had 
manifested to her; she knew that now "The heart 
of her husband doth safely trust her." And in the 
most trying moments she was heard to say, "Only for 
his sake." 

After the visits of the Cabinet had been concluded, 
the physicians rallied him to consciousness, and Dr. 
Rixey assisted Mrs. McKinley to her husband's bed- 
side. With her arms encircling him she sat by his side. 



william Mckinley 249 

His mild, sweet, thoughtful, suffering face took ou a 
look of ineffable tenderness; a smile lighted up his 
countenance. Words too sacred for human pen passed 
between them, and with courage born of the moment, 
Mrs. McKinley retired, saying in the agony of her soul, 
"Only for his sake; only for his sake." 

When the hour of dissolution drew near, again Dr. 
Kixey put her in a chair by her beloved. He was con- 
scious. She fondled his hand, and with the death- 
damp upon his brow, and her last kiss upon his lips, 
he whispered : "Not our will, but God's will be done." 
With whitened lips she spoke again: "For his sake. 
For his sake," and was carried in an unconscious state 
from the death-chamber. 

Ah, the utter hollowness and emptiness of it all. 
The cold, pitiless temper that defiles our Nation with 
blood, human blood shed lawlessly, homes ruthlessly 
entered and the dear one taken from the embrace of 
love and the dearest ties of husband and wife. 

Three Funerals. 

At Mr. McKinley 's request the remains were to bq 
placed in the burial lot at Canton, beside the graves of 
his father, mother and those of their daughters, Kate 
and Ida. The first services were conducted at Buffalo 
by Rev. Dr. Locke. The casket reposed amid a pro- 
fusion of red roses, chrysanthemums, red carnations and 
violets. 

The silken folds of the Stars and Stripes enveloped 
the bier. 

Before the ceremony, Mrs. McKinley, supported by 
Dr. Rixey, was led into the chamber. The soldiers 
and marine guards stepped out of sight and left her 



250 william Mckinley 

alone with her husband. With eyes full of unshed 
tears she gazed upon him, her support and lover all 
these years. She patted his face, and seemed not to 
realize he was dead. Then she withdrew to the hall- 
way, shielded by friends. 

President Eoosevelt stepped forward and took a 
place near the casket. Long he gazed on the face so 
well beloved by him. Tears coursed down his cheeks 
as he took the seat reserved for him. 

Mrs. McKinley sat at the head of the stairs a wan 
figure, attentively listening to the reading of the First 
Chapter of Corinthians, and the singing of the Presi- 
dent's beloved hymn, "Nearer, My God, to Thee." 

President Roosevelt stood at the head of the casket 
while the members of the Cabinet, the relatives and 
Senator Hanna were grouped around the remains. After 
the prayer and benediction, the remains were reviewed 
by thousands of sympathizing friends. 

The funeral cortege left the Milburn house at 11 :45 
o'clock. 

The press gave out the following official statement : 

"In compliance with the earnest wishes of Mrs. Mc- 
Kinley that the body of her husband shall rest in her 
home at Canton, Wednesday night, the following 
changes in the obsequies of the late President will be 
made: 

"Funeral services in the rotunda of the Capitol will 
be held Tuesday morning on the arrival of the escort 
which will accompany the remains from tne White 
House. 

"The body of the late President will lie in state in 
the rotunda for the remainder of Tuesday and will be 
escorted to the railroad station Tuesday evening. The 



william Mckinley 251 

funeral train will leave Washington at or about eight 
o'clock Tuesday evening, and thus will arrive at Can- 
ton during the day, Wednesday. 

John Hay, Secretary of State. 
Elihu Root, Secretary of War. 
John D. Long, Secretary of Navy. 
Henry F. McFarland, 

President of the Board of Com- 
missioners, of the District of 
Columbia." 

These orders were faithfully carried out. The casket 
was tenderly borne on the shoulders of chosen soldiers 
and marines. President Roosevelt, with Secretary 
Root on his left, followed close behind the casket, the 
other members of the Cabinet following in the solemn 
procession. The hearse drawn by four great black 
horses was surrounded by details from the Grand Army 
of the Republic, Camp Haywood at the Pan-American 
Exposition, the Sixty-fifth Regiment Band, the Four- 
teenth Regulars, the Sixty-fifth and Seventy-fourth 
Regulars, and a detail from sailors and marines from 
the steamship " Michigan." 

At Buffalo. 

The two miles to the city hall occupied fully two 
hours. Through a wilderness of tear-stained faces and 
sombrely draped houses the solemn procession took its 
way to a dome of black bunting. Above the coffin 
hung four American flags, their lower edges forming 
a cross, pointing to the four points of the compass. 
President Roosevelt and the Cabinet grouped them- 
selves beneath these sombre habiliments. 

For ten hours the vast concourse of people gazed 
upon the lifeless form of him they loved. 



252 william Mckinley 

At Washington. 

The funeral arrived in "Washington with rain kissing 
the leaves of the trees he loved so well. A day not 
unlike that of the fourth of March, but the smiles 
which greeted the President on that day were now 
turned to lamentations, and the floral offerings were 
for the dead and not the living. 

It is one mile from the White House to the Capitol. 

A great hush, animated the dense crowd. As the 
sweet strains of "Lead Kindly Light" echoed through 
the rotunda, the people rose as one man. During the 
prayer offered by Rev. Dr. Naylor, presiding elder of 
the M. E. Church of the Washington district, the silence 
was profound. 

When at the close the vast assemblage joined in the 
last prayer of the lamented President, "Our Father," 
the spirit of consecration fell upon the people. 

The venerable Bishop Edward G. Andrews took his 
station at the head of the casket. In a simple, direct 
way he spoke of his intimate knowledge of this great, 
good man. At the conclusion of the sermon, the audi- 
ence joined in singing "Nearer, My God, to Thee." 

Rev. W. H. Chapman, Acting Pastor of the Metro- 
politan M. E. Church, pronounced the benediction. 

Mrs. McKinley, prostrated by her journey and sor- 
row, remained at the White House, so sacred with hal- 
lowed memories. 

At Canton, Ohio. 

The city contained not less than one hundred thou- 
sand sympathizing friends on the day of the return of 
all that remained on earth of their martyred brother 
and fellow-townsman, William McKinley. In front of 



william Mckinley 253 

the home on North Market street, two military lines 
of body-bearers, eight sailors and eight soldiers of the 
army, were standing, while regiment after regiment of 
soldiers acting as guards were in triple lines from curb 
to curb along the brick-paved streets. 

At last the order to "take up the casket" with ma- 
jestic solemnity, with President Roosevelt in command, 
at precisely one o'clock. Troop A, on black chargers, 
four abreast, in their brilliant huzzah uniforms, swept 
down the street, with shrouded flags and sable trap- 
pings streaming from their saber hilts. It was a signal 
for the approach of the Presidential party. All heads 
were uncovered as the pall-bearers slowly bore their 
precious burden down the walk to the hearse on its 
way to the church. 

The guard of honor occupied a position well down 
the walk to the right of President Roosevelt. Lieu- 
tenant-General Miles, in full uniform of his rank, with 
sword at side and customary band of crape about his 
arm, stood with the members of the Cabinet. Major- 
General Brook, Major-General Otis, Major-General 
McArthur and Brigadier-General Gilespie occupied the 
same side, while opposite these stood Rear Admiral 
Farquhar, Admiral Dewey, Rear Admiral Crownishield, 
Rear Admiral O'Neill, Rear Admiral Kenny and Briga- 
dier-General Haywood. Just inside the entrance stood 
the civilian escort, including Governor Nash and Lieu- 
tenant-Governor Caldwell, of Ohio. 

The services at the church consisted of a brief ser- 
mon, prayers and singing. The body was then taken 
to Westlawn Cemetery and placed in the vault. 

Mrs. McKinley was unable to attend the services at 
the church or at the cemetery. 



254 william Mckinley 

And when the grand votive stone monument shall 
have been placed over all that remains of William Mc- 
Kinley, we can truly say, "This monument does not 
make thee famous, McKinley ! but, thou makest this 
monument famous." 

"I am an Anarchist!" said the assassin. 

"And what is that?" 

"One who aims at the overthrow of civil govern- 
ment. He believes in no God, no government, no 
heaven, no hell, except what he can make here on 
earth." 

Such an one slew the Czar of Russia, agitated the 
public mind of Germany, shot at Edward, the King, 
when a Prince, killed the King of Italy, in an attempt 
to turn over the nations to murder, theft, licentious and 
utter dessolation. He it is who would lay every school- 
house, every church, chapel, cathedral and house of 
learning in ashes and put in their places a legalized 
saloon with its "Ladies?" sitting-room, wherein he 
might unmolested concoct their fiendish plots. 

This assassin did not tremble, nor did a muscle 
quiver when the sentence of death was pronounced 
upon him. But when Mrs. McKinley 's name was men- 
tioned he said: "I would be sorry if she died." His 
energies had been misdirected; his self-love flattered 
until the virus of self-conceit and maligancy fostered 
by malicious harangues had created in him elements of 
disorder so formidable that "kill" was the watch-word 
based upon the revolutionary tenets of his vile asso- 
ciates. 

Our great Rulers, Abraham Lincoln, James A. Gar- 
field and William McKinley, the triumvirate of mar- 
tyrs, all were shot down by creatures who shot not at 



WILLIAM McKINLEY 255 

the individual so much as at the sure foundation of 
eternal truth, embodied in a constitution than which 
for comprehensiveness and eminent practicability there 
is none better. A home in a Christian nation, with her 
open Bible, her public schools, her free libraries and 
her privilege to worship God according to the dictates 
of your own conscience ; a home for each and the op- 
portunity for each to possess the same, ought to call 
forth obedience, love and pride in the heart of every 
man who puts foot on American shore. These great 
princes are laid low, but, their spirits are marching on. 

Testimonials of Sympathy. 

Notwithstanding the three funeral ceremonies and 
the cessation of labor and traffic for the space of ten 
minutes throughout the nation during the obsequies, the 
nations at large could not refrain from making public 
acknowledgment of the worth of the man beloved by 
them all. A few of these will suffice to show the esteem 
in which this Christian President was held. 

The pacific spirit of the man that could dictate the 
following message now reverberates all the world 
round : 

"His Excellency Felix Faure, 

President of the French Republic, Paris. 
"On this occasion when the Commissioners of the 
United States and Spain are about to assemble in the 
Capital of France to negotiate peace, and when the 
representatives of this Government are receiving the 
hospitality and good will of the Republic, I beg to ten- 
der to you a most friendly, personal greeting, and the 
assurance of my grateful appreciation of your kind 
courtesies to the American Commissioners. 

William McKinley, 



256 william Mckinley 

President of the United States." 
The death of the five Buckeye Boys Who Became 
Presidents, Ulysses S. Grant, Rutherford Birchard 
Hayes, James Abram Garfield, Benjamin Harrison, and 
now William McKinley, has each left an indelible im- 
press upon the generations yet to follow. 

Grover Cleveland, the only living ex-President, paid 
the following tribute to the martyred President, in 
part: 

"William McKinley," said Mr. Cleveland, "has left 
us a priceless gift in the example of a useful and pure 
life, of his fidelity to public trusts and his demonstra- 
tion of the valor of the kindly virtues that not only en- 
noble mankind, but lead to success. God lives and 
reigns, and will not turn His face from us who have 
always been objects of His kindness and care." 

At the Cincinnati Music Hall, at an immense me- 
morial meeting presided over by Mayor Julius 
Fiehschmann, a member of the dead chieftain's staff 
while Governor of Ohio, Senator Foraker, his personal 
friend, the one who had twice presented the name Wil- 
liam McKinley to the State Convention for Governor, 
and had the honor of nominating him for President at 
two National Conventions, addressed the people. Con- 
tinuing, the Senator said: 

"He died proud of his work and in the just expec- 
tation that time will vindicate his wisdom, his purpose, 
and his labors — and it will." 

There was placed upon the bier at Washington a 
white shield in flowers with the 8th Army Corps badge 
in the middle. This was in response to General Chaf- 
fee's cable: 



WILLIAM McKINLEY 257 

"Manilla, September 15 The officers of the Di- 
vision of the Philippines beg the Department to place 
an appropriate floral design on the bier of the Presi- 
dent of the United States as a token of great sorrow. 
They offer their deepest sympathy to Mrs. McKinley." 

"Chaffee." 

Around the world the news had cast a gloom ; from 
London to Japan services were held and resolutions of 
condolence sent to the United States. 

At Cuba. 

All work in public offices was stopped on the day 
of the funeral. Judges and civil governors of the prov- 
inces, the government secretaries and foreign consuls 
went to the palace to express their sympathy. All pub- 
lic buildings were draped in black. All places of 
amusement closed, on account of the sorrow felt at the 
death of the President of the United States. 

In St. Petersburg. 

The United States Ambassador and his entire staff, 
the Consul, Mr. William R. Holloway, and the Vice- 
Consul, Mr. Heydecker, attended divine services at the 
Anglican Church. The Rev. Dr. Francis, minister of 
the British American Chapel, preached a memorial ser- 
mon against anarchy. The pulpit was draped with 
crape. 

Resolutions of condolence were framed and sent to 
Mrs. McKinley. 

Father Larelle, referring to anarchism, quoted from 
Leo XIII. on the subject. He added: 

"These misguided creatures sometimes pretend to 
find a root of their false doctrines in the Scriptures 
themselves. In our family, where the father and 



258 william Mckinley 

mother must be the head, this man, the anarchist, gets 
over the difficulty by destroying the family. If we 
wish to prevent a renewal of the calamity which we 
mourn today it is only through stronger faith in God. 
That is the bulwark of society and of the Nation." 

Conclusion. 

It is fitting we close this incomplete history of these 
illustrious Ohio men in the words of the Senior Bishop 
of the M. E. Church, Andrews. Said he : 

"They were men who believed in right, who had a 
profound conviction that the courses of this world 
must be ordered in accordance with everlasting right- 
eousness or this world's highest point of good will 
never be reached ; that no nation can expect success in 
life except as it conforms to the eternal love of the 
infinite Lord and pass itself in individual and collective 
activity according to that divine will. 

AT LAST. 

Sworn in, sworn in, from the deafening din 

Of life's battle — ravage and rage within; 

Sworn in, from carnage, rapine and strife, 

And the wearisome tramp of army life. 

Sworn in, by the Captain who knows no defeat, 

To ranks of the blood-washed, with records complete; 

"With stormings, and sufferings, many and dire, 

Thro sudden attacks and the enemy's fire. 

Sworn in, for service whose watchword is Peace, 

While earth-encumbered flesh finds surcease 

From the travail of agony, of hunger and pain, 

While heart-throbs echo a bitter refrain. 

Sworn in, when the cannony tongues of fire, 

Spoke in livid words, of a vengeance dire, 

In hospital, trench, retreat or advance, 

Cut down by gunshot, or pierced by lance. 

Sworn in, when changeless dark days and hours 



WILLIAM McKINLEY 259 

Scorched the quick life-blood and benumbered the 

powers ; 
Sworn into Heaven's Compass beyond Earth's veil 
To the Great Unknown thro' the Death Valley pale 
Sworn in, behind battlements, angels wait 
To carry the countersign; for small and great, 
To give a welcome, and Oh, how sweet ! 
After times of suffering such cheer to meet. 
Sworn in, with victorious ones gone before, 
Where all are content to go out no more 
Into the Company of soldiers true 
Whose winding-sheet was the Red, White and Blue. 
Sworn in, is our brother, comrade and friend, 
To the Memorial Day that will never end ; 
Where rivers of Paradise thro' Eden's Bowers, 
Keep living memory in unfading flowers. 
Sworn in, by Christ, what a wonderful thought ! 
Sworn in, by the redemption His love has bought; 
Sworn in, by His sufferings on Calvary's tree, 
Sworn in, by his sacrifice, and glorious victory. 



WILLIAM HOWARD TAFT. 
September 15, 1857. 

1857, Sept. 15, born Cincinnati, Ohio, son of Alphonso 
and Louise M. Taft. 

1874, was graduated from Woodward High School, Cin- 
cinnati, Ohio. 

1878, entered Law School, Cincinnati College. 

1880, was graduated in May with degree B. L. 

1880, May, admitted to bar of Supreme Court of Ohio. 

1881, appointed Assistant Prosecuting Attorney. 

1882, March, became Collector of Internal Revenue. 

1883, March, entered Practice of Law. 

1885, January, appointed Assistant County Solicitor, 

Hamilton County. 

1886, June 19, married Miss Helen Herron 

1887, March, appointed Judge Cincinnati, Ohio, Su- 

perior Court. 

1888, April, re-elected as Judge to serve five years. 
1890, February, became Solicitor General United States. 

1892, March, became United States Circuit Judge and 

ex-officio member Circuit Court of Appeals of 
Sixth Circuit. 

1893, June, received honorary degree L.L. D. from 

Yale University. 

1896, Professor and Dean of Law Department of Uni- 
versity of Cincinnati, Ohio. 

1900, March, resigned, appointed to Philippines. 

261 



262 WILLIAM HOWAED TAFT 

1901, July 4, appointed First Civil Governor of Philip- 

pine Islands. 

1902, Feb. 22, Degree L.L. D. from University of Pa. 
1902, May, conference with Pope Leo XIII. concerning 

Purchase of Land in the Philippines from 
Religious Orders. 

1904, February, Secretary of War. 

1905, L.L. D. Harvard College. 
L.L. D. Miami Callege. 

1906, September and October, Provisional Governor of 

Cuba. 

1907, traveled 38,050 miles. 

1908, traveled 47,270 miles. Nominated President of 

United States. 

1909, inaugurated twenty-seventh President of the 

United States. 

1910, issued his notable message. 

1911, brought forward the Canadian Reciprocity Bill. 

Called an extra session of the Congress for 
April 5, 1911. 
1911, July 26 ; Reciprocity Bill Signed. 



EULOGY. 

"No other President lias indicated a clearer apprehension of 
the fact that there is a power behind Congress other than and 
greater than the parties which are supposed to shape political 
policies. No other President since Lincoln has understood better 
how to reach that elusive something called public opinion than 
President Taft. When he believes that some public policy ought 
to be carried to realization he does not depend solely upon writing 
messages to Congress about it. He has formed the habit of taking 
the question straight to the people. He understands that when 
he explains to the people why a policy should be carried out and 
convinces them that it is a thing that should be done, he will 
have effectively reached the servants — the members of the two 
branches of the national Legislature — through the masters, the 
people. In various addresses delivered in the Central West last 
week, and especially in the speech made before the Illinois 
Legislature, the President undertook to prove that the pending 
reciprocity treaty with Canada is a wise business policy for the 
United States. The argument is logical, and when it shall have 
been digested it cannot fail to be convincing." — Baltimore 
American. 



WILLIAM HOWARD TAFT 

The house is still standing facing the Ohio River in 
which William Howard Taft was born September 15, 
1857, son of Alphonso and Louise M. Taft, of Cincin- 
nati, Ohio. It is now owned by the Loyal Legion of 
Cincinnati, Ohio. His ancestry dates back through six 
New England generations ; to Robert Taft, of Mendon, 
Mass., in 1660. The Torreys, from whom his mother 
came, has no less a notable heritage ; from primitive 
New England, a family thoroughly American and 
brought up in accordance with first principles of true 
democracy. 

263 



264 WILLIAM HOWAKD TAFT 

While on a recent visit to Governor Draper of Massa- 
chusetts, President Taft found lots of Tafts, both big 
and little. Much to his surprise, found, that through 
their common ancestor, Roger Williams, Private Secre- 
tary to the President Norton is a relative of his, and 
through some other lines, that Governor Draper and 
Senator Aldrich are also his relatives. Over fifty Tafts 
greeted the President; one being scarcely two weeks 
old, and another over seventy. The President named 
the baby Robert, after his eldest son. The President 
stopped at an inn near Uxbridge, Mass., which S. Taft 
used to run for travelers as far back as 1776, and he 
saw the old sign with the "Taft" name on it and an 
American Eagle flying over it, all of it in very much 
faded characters. A relative, Miss Sarah Taft, lives 
in this old house yet, and showed him a room in which 
George Washington once slept. It had the usual four- 
posted bed with a canopy, and the statement was made 
"that the bed had not been disturbed since Washing- 
ton's time." 

So the East and West clasp hands on the banks of 
"The Beautiful River." 

His Youth. 

On a high ridge, with Butcher Town on the east and 
Tailor Town on the west, lived two sets of growing 
boys with a feud between them. It was no uncommon 
sight to see these combatants arrayed against each 
other, especially on Saturdays. The "sport," as they 
called it, was not in any way objectionable to the Tafts. 
Indeed, it added zest and enthusiasm to the life of the 
youth of the East End, and woe betide the "meddlers" 
who sought to interfere. William was fond of these 



WILLIAM HOWARD TAFT 265 

out-door games and was never known to be defeated by 
a wrestler. 

The Ohio River was the scene of many a swimming 
contest. William was an adept in playing marbles. 
"When indoors, he was all for books. He had a retentive 
memory and under the guidance of his father, who was 
ever his guide, companion, counselor and friend, he 
read only such books as would strengthen his youthful 
mind and prepare him for the high offices he has been 
called upon by his State and Nation to occupy. 

His School Days. 

"No, my dear, mediocrity will not do for William," 
such were the words of his father when informed that 
his son ranked "Number Five" in an examination at 
the high school. The "Nineteenth District School," 
near his home, was his first school. Here is where he 
learned very easily to work out his life's plan for him- 
self. He was not the kind of boy who thought "his 
teacher could sell him wisdom." His record is one of 
honor both to his teacher and himself; no private 
teacher nor coach was ever employed for him. From 
this public school he entered Woodward High School 
with honor. 

Higher Education. 

In 1874, at the age of seventeen, he was admitted to 
the freshman class at Yale, and after a four years' 
course was graduated in 1878. All the three Taft broth- 
ers are Yale men. 

At this school his power at wrestling stood him in 
good stead; at one time he was anchored in a tug of 



266 WILLIAM HOWAED TAFT 

war, although he did not join any of the "Varsity'* 
teams. 

He had been sent to college to study, and nothing 
short of success would meet with approbation from his 
illustrious father, Judge Taft, who had won honors 
from the same college before him. He did succeed, for 
he was graduated with great distinction. The faculty 
of the University having appointed him salutatorian, 
ranking "Number Two" in scholarship. He was a 
prime favorite with his classmates, and they honored 
him in nominating him class orator. Besides these he 
won several special honors in subjects he had taken 
particular personal interest in. Armed with his diplo- 
ma of Bachelor of Arts and certificates of honor, the 
proud boy returned to his native city of Cincinnati and 
entered Law School. Finishing the prescribed course 
he was graduated as Bachelor of Law, incidentally 
dividing the first prize with a fellow-classmate. He 
continued his relation with his Alma Mater and re- 
ceived his second parchment, the degree of Doctor of 
Laws. 

His time had been most profitably employed, for he 
also did law reporting for the "Times-Star," which 
paper is owned by his brother Charles. In 1880 he did 
this work so well that Murat Halstead offered him em- 
ployment on the Commercial-Gazette at six dollars a 
week, although he had an offer of advancement and an 
increase of wages, he said: "I will do the graduation 
this time by myself." So, took leave of newspaper 
work with his testimonials of efficiency as a law re- 
porter. He went to his father's office armed with three 
sheepskins and enough prizes to fill a good-sized cabi- 
net, and became clerk in the office of "Taft & Floyd." 



WILLIAM HOWAED TAFT 267 

His Official Life. 

At the age of nineteen, while in his father's office, he 
had worked so persistently and conscientiously for 
purity and clean dealing that he was appointed Assist- 
ant Prosecuting Attorney. He gained the approval of 
the State, and four years later, at the early age of 
twenty-three, became Collector of Internal Revenue, at 
a salary of four hundred dollars a month. After mas- 
tering the details and getting a thorough knowledge 
of the work, he resigned and re-entered his father's 
law office, saying: "There were things better worth 
working for than much money." 

Life for him was just beginning. He had won a just 
name ; he had social position always, and his income 
was forty-five hundred dollars a year. 

Beginning of the Family. 

He was betrothed to Miss Helen Herron, of Cincin- 
nati, Ohio. Forty-five hundred dollars seems a fortune 
to most young men, but William H. Taft and Helen 
Herron seem not to have considered it at all, nor did 
it appeal to them in any way, for, with true American 
pluck, he turned from the easy work and easier money 
to the private practice of law, where the work was 
infinitely harder and the remuneration uncertain. 
Three children came to bless their union: Robert Al- 
phonso, born Sept. 8, 1889 ; Helen Herron, Aug. 1, 1893, 
and Charles Phelps, second son, Sept. 20, 1897. 

No happier man can be found in the nation than the 
father of these three children. He is father, friend, 
companion and playmate to each. 



268 WILLIAM HOWAED TAFT 

In Summer. 

In one of the oldest houses in Murray Bay, on the 
north bank of the beautiful St. Lawrence River, in the 
Province of Quebec, the annual family gathering was 
held. 

Hither came Helen from Bryn Maur, Robert from 
Yale and the irrepressible Charles is always much in 
evidence. They, with their father and mother, and the 
brothers and their families, constitute a small colony 
of outdoor people who give themselves up to nature to 
the fullest extent. 

The old home was made most inviting and pictur- 
esque with its ornamentations of relics from the Philip- 
pines — gifts from officials and natives of these islands. 

Mr. Taft is fond of recreation and work also; such 
men make the nation wholesome. During the work-a- 
day six days he makes himself comfortable in light 
summer flannels ; and rest easy in the thought that now 
the tours are ended for the nonce and the question of 
"dress" is not mentioned. 

Mr. Taft is up at seven, he spends the time until 
breakfast in dictating to his secretary, after which he 
takes his breakfast in a leisurely manner. Some time 
later he is wending his way on foot to the golf links, 
fully a mile and a half away. After making eighteen 
holes he returns smiling and soon is refreshed under 
his shower bath. "The stronger the nature the more 
reactive." Perhaps he takes a sandwich and is ready 
and willing to live his life, as he says: "What a fine 
thing it is to be alive !" On the Sabbath he attends the 
Union Church, where friend meets friend and with 
hearty handshakes all around, chat together, and those 



WILLIAM HOWAED TAFT 269 

who meet find life glad and wholesome. The afternoon 
is devoted to the War Department. Then supper with 
Mrs. Taf t and the children ; and all who live with them 
find life merry and inspiring. 

Mr. Robert Dunn is responsible for the following: 
"It was not ever thus," says Mr. Taft. "I remember 
when we first came here — a whole cargo of Tafts — 
twenty-one of us — fifteen years ago. We had nothing 
but a cigar-box of a house with half a dozen rooms in 
it, to hold us all. Maybe you think they didn't say 
things to me ! I was the one who persuaded them all 
to try this resort, and in the usual happy family man- 
ner they told me what they thought of my judgment." 
"I remember those days, too," joins in Charles P. Taft. 
"Will was in the baby-raising business then, and in the 
middle of the night, of course, the babies would cry. 
All Taft babies have vociferating apparatus and attach- 
ments quite complete. The partitions between the 
rooms were thin — the usual summer cottage partition 
— so, in order to carry his wee ones out to the cool 
night air and pace up and down the board walk with 
them. I can still remember the sight of him in his 
night shirt. It was worth waking out of my sleep to 
see." Mr. Taft laughs and says: "Charley is very 
kind to put it that way. It eases my conscience and I 
have no doubt at all that I was a picture." William PI. 
Taft is absolutely free from false pride, and he is a 
great man because he is, what, he is, from nature, and 
because he never reminds us of others. His education 
has been true because it is only the development of his 
natural powers. 

After his vacation time he returns to work with a 



270 WILLIAM HOWARD TAFT 

good will and power to endure the strain of his ardu- 
ous life. 

President Taft, we are told, wants to get rid of his 
superfluous flesh, and yet almost in the same breath we 
learn that he motors 150 miles just to get to eat pie 
with his aunt, Miss Delia Torrey, at Millbury, Mass. 
It was apple pie, and as Aunt Delia made it, we know 
that it was all right, and so a pie-eater can hardly 
blame the President for getting his share of this lus- 
cious food; but, just the same, if the President is going 
to indulge in apple pie with cream on it he is going 
to put on, rather than lay off, flesh. 

Honors came thick and fast. He was appointed Pro- 
fessor and Dean of the Law Department of the Univer- 
sity of Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1896. In the month of 
March, 1900, Judge Taft resigned, and for the tem- 
porary government of the Philippines. President Mc- 
Kinley on his own responsibility appointed two suc- 
cessive commissions of civilians, and Congress later 
authorized him to establish a government at his discre- 
tion (March 2, 1901). He continued the former com- 
mission of Judge Taft, and it organized a government 
for the islands. 

The Philippines. 

Trouble at once arose over the tariff in the dependen- 
cies. In 1901 the Supreme Court decided: First, that 
Congress could make a separate tariff for the depend- 
encies; second, that Porto Rico and the Philippines 
were not foreign countries ; third, that they were also 
not complete parts of the United States unless Con- 
gress should choose to incorporate them. Congress 
made a special tariff of import duties in the Philip- 



WILLIAM HOWAKD TAFT 271 

pines (March 8, 1902) and fixed the rates on imports 
from the Philippines in the United States at three- 
fourths the rates on similar imports from other coun- 
tries. July 1, 1902, a bill of right was adopted and 
a permanent form of government — substantially that 
previously framed by the Commission. Judge Taft was 
appointed Civil Governor under this statute, which also 
made provision for a future Philippine assembly. 

The United States acquired the Philippine Islands 
with 120,000 square miles and 7,000,000 inhabitants. 
The native Filipinos disliked Spanish rule, and were 
no better pleased with American control. They re- 
volted and peace was restored slowly at great loss of 
life. These islands have been subject to special legisla- 
tion ; the Filipinos have not yet attained the moderate 
self-government provided for Hawaii and Porto Rico. 

William H. Taft had proven himself one of the most 
reliable and painstaking servants of Hamilton County. 
For twenty-eight years the citizens had found him 
faithful in the discharge of every office entrusted to his 
care. In token thereof the Government has paid him 
more salary than any other man who ever held office 
in the United States. He holds the honorable record 
of being the one man to hold office most continuously. 
As early as his twenty-fourth year he was receiving a 
salary of $1,500 a year as Assistant County Prosecutor. 
Two years later, 1882, he held the office of Revenue 
Collector at a salary of $4,500 a year. 

Hamilton County spoke in terms not to be mistaken 
in approval of him as Assistant County Solicitor from 
1885 to 1887 at a salary of $2,000 a year. 

As Judge of the Superior Court of Cincinnati from 
1887 to 1889 he received $6,000 a year. 



272 WILLIAM HOWARD TAFT 

From 1890 to 1892 lie was appointed Solicitor General 
of the United States, drawing a salary of $7,500 a year. 
In 1892 to 1900, as United States Circuit Judge, he re- 
ceived $7,000 a year. 

As President of the Philippine Commission, from 
1900 to 1904, he received $25,000 a year ($10,000 in 
United States money and $30,000 in Philippine silver, 
worth $15,000 in American money). 

During the four years he served as Secretary of War, 
from 1904 to 1908, he was in receipt of a yearly salary 
of $12,000. 

During his one and one-half years as President he 
received $75,000. 

It has given some statistical clerk pleasure in calcu- 
lating this expenditure, and the people approved it; 
during these twenty-eight years $313,000 have been 
paid him. 

The President, however, is not a rich man. Each 
promotion has entailed greater social obligations and 
correspondingly greater expenditures. 

The interest on $313,000 at 5 per cent is $15,650 a 
year. 

Nomination. 

June 18 at 5:16 o'clock William Howard Taft was 
nominated the Republican candidate for the Presi- 
dency receiving 702 votes out of 980, thus confirming 
the prediction of his Ohio friends, "that he would be 
nominated on the first ballot without opposition, there 
being 491 as a necessary majority." Within one min- 
ute the news spread like wildfire. His friends in Cin- 
cinnati were on the alert, and from valley and suburbs 
an instantaneous uproar of enthusiasm was begun, ban- 



WILLIAM HOWARD TAFT 273 

ners were flung to the breeze, streamers were stretched 
across the streets and the expectant populace were as 
it were, filled with an insane joy ; while at the Times- 
Star office building the newsboys and messengers 
blocked the squares, when the Stars and Stripes with 
the Taft picture beneath, was unfurled; the people, 
yes, all the people, men from the counting-rooms and 
buisness houses, women from their stores and girls and 
young men made it a holiday. 

Washington, June 19. 

Words do not find themselves at a time like this. 
"I do not deny that I am very happy," were the words 
spoken by Mrs. Taft upon hearing the good news. 

Mrs. Taft, ever a close observer of politics, remained 
in the Secretary's private office throughout the after- 
noon. Charley was kept busy carrying the bulletins 
from the telegraph operator to the Secretary's desk. 
This young man was the busiest person in the War 
Department. It was to Mrs. Taft ordinarily that he 
presented the bulletins while his mother read the news 
to the Secretary's assembled guests. A little after four 
o'clock Miss Helen Herron Taft joined the company. 
Her father rallied her and said: "She would probably 
have been with them sooner had she not been too nerv- 
ous to stand the strain." Miss Taft was inclined to re- 
sent this rally, but it was quite apparent that she was 
inflicted with "nerves" as much as the others in the 
pary. 

Ohio's Joy — Mother of Presidents. 

Ohio had for the sixth time given one of her sons to 
the Nation, and it was a fitting time to express their 
joy at the result of their most ardent hopes. The voice 



274 WILLIAM HOWAED TAFT 

of the people had called their fellow-townsmen to serve 
them, their faith was great and they spoke and wired 
with high hope in the belief of his election in the fall, 
for whenever the sentiment of right comes in, it takes 
precedent of everything else. 

The following tabulated scale of the voting explains 
the count : 

The Taft Administration. 

On March 4, 1909, in a blizzard that seemed a per- 
fectly natural finale to a presidency, which was stormy 
to say the least. 

William Howard Taft, late Secretary of "War in 
President Roosevelt's Cabinet, and James Sherman 
were elected President and Vice-President of the 
United States. Peace was expected to take place 
between the President and Congress, and between 
the incoming President and the world of busi- 
ness and finance. In unmistakable terms the President 
declared: "The chief function of the next administra- 
tion, in my judgment, is distinct from and a progres- 
sive development of that which has been performed by 
President Roosevelt. Mr. Taft was expected to follow 
in Mr. Roosevelt's footsteps, but, "more warily and 
with less reverberant tread." The President was not 
so intense in his desire to reach practical results, and, 
as he says: "I have been trained as a lawyer and 
judge, and am so strongly imbued with the necessity 
for legal methods as eleven years on the bench are like 
to make one." The President intended to put the re- 
forms advocated into legal and effective operation, 
partly by obtaining changes in the laws, and partly by 
the enforcement of laAvs already on the statute books. 



WILLIAM HOWARD TAFT 



275 



VOTE ON PRESIDENT 



STATES 



H 




-. 


q 


**■ 


r 


eg 


















K 


a 


p 


o 


o 


pr 












<D 




















FT 




ffi 





18 
20 
10 
14 

6 
10 
26 

6 
54 
30 
26 
•jo 
26 
18 
12 
16 
32 
28 
22 
20 
36 

6 
16 

6 

8 
24 
78 
24 

S 
46 
14 

8 



Albania 

Arkansas 

California 

Colorado 

Connecticut 

Delaware 

Florida 

Georgia 

Idaho 

Illinois 

Indiana 

Iowa 

Kansas 

Kentucky 

Louisiana 

Maine 

Maryland 

Massachusetts 

Michigan 

Minnesota 

Mississippi 

Missouri 

Monlana 

Nebraska 

Nevada 

New Hampshire . . . 

New Jersey 

New York 

| North Carolina .... 

North Dakota 

Ohio 

| Oklahoma 

Oregon 

Pennsylvania 

Rhode Island 

South Carolina 

South Dakota 

Tennessee 

Texas 

Utah 

Vermont 

Virginia 

Washington 

West Virginia 

Wisconsin 

Wyoming 

Alaska 

Arizona 

District of Columbia . 

Hawaii 

New Mexico 

Philippine Islands . . 
Porto Rico 



Total 



16 

ti 

5 

15 

10 

24 

8 

42 

14 

8 

1 

8 

13 

8 

24 

6 

8 
21 
10 
14 

1 



40 68 25 16 



One absent from South Carolina. Total number of delegates, 9S0; majority, 491. 



27G WILLIAM HOWARD TAFT 

Lawyers in the Cabinet. 

The Taft government is thus made up of a majority 
of lawyers, who have given up incomes ranging from 
twenty-five thousand to one hundred thousand dollars 
a year in order to serve the Government, and Philander 
C. Knox, the Secretary of State, demonstrated his abil- 
ity in the Northern Securities case ; George W. "Wicker- 
sham, the Attorney-General, has had invaluable ex- 
periences as a corporation lawyer; Jacob M. Dickin- 
son, the Secretary of War, was Assistant Attorney- 
General under Grover Cleveland, was counsel for the 
United States in the Alaska Boundary dispute, and is 
considered one of the ablest lawyers in the United 
States ; Charles Nagel, the Secretary of Commerce and 
Labor, and Richard A. Ballinger, the Secretary of the 
Interior, are both well-known lawyers with large prac- 
tices. 

As a result of the election, a great spur to business, 
was strikingly illustrated in the vast increase in the 
orders which poured into the mills of the country in the 
month of November and December, 1908. 

Tariff Law, Aug. 5, 1909. 

The enactment of the Tariff law removed uncertain- 
ty and gave business men a chance to make contracts 
for the future. Immediately after appending his sig- 
nature to the Tariff bill the President sent out the fol- 
lowing statement: 

"I have signed the Payne Tariff bill because I believe 
it to be the result of a sincere effort on the part of the 
Republican party to make a downward revision, and to 
comply with the promises of the platform, as they 



WILLIAM HOWARD TAFT 277 

have been generally understood, and as I interpreted 
them in the campaign before election. 

''The bill is not a perfect tariff bill or a complete 
compliance with the promises made, strictly inter- 
preted, but a fulfillment free from criticism in respect 
to a subject matter involving many schedules and thou- 
sands of articles could not be expected. It suffices to 
say that, except with regard to whiskey, liquors and 
wines, and in regard to silks and as to some high classes 
of cotton — all of which may be treated as luxuries and 
proper subjects of a revenue tariff — there have been 
very few increases in rates." 

There have been a great number of real decreases in 
rates, and they constitute a sufficient amount to justify 
the statement of excessive rates. 

The summer and early fall of 1909 saw a widely ex- 
tended trade rally and witnessed a more rapid advance 
in stocks than the country had hitherto known in any 
equal time. In December, 1909, however, the stock 
market reacted, owing to the fact that prices had ad- 
vanced too fast and too far, and to the fear that the 
Supreme Court's decision in the Tobacco and the Stand- 
ard Oil suits might sustain the ruling of the lower 
courts, that the combinations would be dissolved and 
that this action would be followed by vigorous attacks 
on other big corporations, as over 75 per cent of the 
business of the United States is transacted by corpora- 
tions the reason for the universal fear was easily ap- 
parent. 

Work of 61st Congress. 

Nothing since the time of Abraham Lincoln has 
equaled the ability of the Congress to stand by its 



278 WILLIAM HOWAED TAFT 

principles and its policies. Among the measures that 
became laws during the session beginning March 4, 
1909, and ending June 25, 1910, were: 

First, the Railroad Rate bill is perhaps the most im- 
portant, for it not only makes effective the Roosevelt 
policy of Federal control of railroad rates, but also 
compels the railroads to secure the approval of the 
Inter-State Commerce Commission before advancing 
rates, and authorizing that Commission to institute pro- 
ceedings without waiting for the complaint of the ship- 
per. 

By this bill a special Commerce Court is created, 
granting the Commission complete authority over class- 
ifications and regulations, and, in addition, bringing 
telegraph and telephone companies under the scope of 
the Inter-State Commerce act. 

About the Courts. 

The President says : 

"The Courts are the background of our civilization. 
The Supreme Court of the United States is the whole 
background of the Government. It is the body to de- 
termine whether Congress is acting within its Constitu- 
tional limitations ; to determine whether the Executive 
has exceeded his lgal authority. It is the last resort 
and the final tribunal." 

Praises for Congress. 

At the close of this memorable session the President 
issued the following signed statement: "I am elated 
at the legislation which has been enacted by this Con- 
gress. It has fulfilled the pledge of the party. It is a 
great satisfaction that we have accomplished as much. 



WILLIAM HOWAED TAFT 279 

I think the party in power has enacted legislation which 
will inure greatly to its benefit. It has kept its con- 
tract." 

Some of the Benefits. 

A special committee has been created to investigate 
the extent to which railroad stocks are watered, and 
report on the feasibility of Federal supervision of all 
railroad securities ; for establishing a system of postal 
savings banks, the Government guaranteeing small de- 
positors two per cent, interest ; for granting separate 
statehood to Arizona and New Mexico ; for a progres- 
sive naval programme, authorizing the construction of 
two twenty-seven thousand ton battleships, six tor- 
pedo-boat destroyers, four submarine torpedo-boats, 
and two colliers; for the publicity of campaign con- 
tributions ; for a twenty-million-dollar bond issue au- 
thorized to permit the completion of irrigation projects 
already undertaken ; for the preservation of natural 
forests, by permitting States and Territories to select 
other lands in lieu of those contained in reservations; 
for the conservation of coal lands by authorizing agri- 
cultural entries on the surface ; while title to coal de- 
posits is reserved to the Government. 

Appropriation for Tariff Investigation. 

"A quarter of a million dollars are appropriated to 
enable the tariff board to ascertain the difference in 
the cost of production at home and abroad of articles 
included in the tariff schedule, such information to 
afford the basis for an accurate readjustment of the 
rates of duty." 



280 WILLIAM HOWAKD TAFT 

Quiet Measures. 

Many useful measures have become laws for the 
benefit of what Abraham Lincoln called "the plain 
people." Namely a Bureau of Mines designed to 
minimize dangers to mineworkers. It has passed a 
law compelling the use of safety appliances on rail- 
roads, and has directed common carriers to furnish 
detailed reports of accidents to the Inter-State Com- 
mission. It has passed drastic regulations looking to 
the prevention of collisions at sea, and has authorized 
the parole of Federal prisoners whose conduct after 
conviction warrant such clemency. 

" Congress had mads a thorough investigation of 
the charges against Mr. Bieber a year or two ago, and 
they were utterly groundless. Mr. Bieber is a born 
organizer and a staunch Republican, and is devoted to 
any branch of work that he undertakes to do. His 
appointment would have meant a good business ad- 
ministration. President Taft considered the com- 
plaints and withdrew the nomination of Mr. Bieber. A 
day or two later he concluded to disregard the dis- 
gruntled politicians, and again named Mr. Bieber, and 
again the dissention arose^ and President Taft perma- 
nently withdrew the name. Now Mr. Taft has ap- 
pointed to this position Whitefield McKinley, a negro 
real estate agent. He is a very fit man for the posi- 
tion, and will undoubtedly give a good business ad- 
ministration. He is one of the very best representa- 
tives of the negro race, absolutely without rant or self- 
assertion, and knows what he knows; but you ought 
to hear the complaint that is now going up in Wash- 
ington over the appointment of a negro as Collector 



WILLIAM HOWARD TAFT 281 

of the not very lucrative office, the Port of George- 
town. ' ' 

About the Negroes. 

"The Republican party freed the negroes from 
slavery, and the time is coming soon when the disfran- 
chisement of the negro in the South will be oblitarated 
entirely," said President Taft. 

About Popular Government. 

"Popular Government must be a series of com- 
promises. The resultant mean is often better than the 
extreme, which would be reached if an administration 
were able to carry out all its views," says the Presi- 
dent. Hitherto there has been no machinery for bring- 
ing appropriations into proper relation, or into any 
relation at all with revenue. Therefore it became 
necessary to establish a Permanent Committee of Pub- 
lic Expenditure. 

At every meeting of the government this subject of 
economy was discussed, and members were encouraged 
to point out places where cuts could be made in esti- 
mates prepared by fellow-members. "Do your own 
cutting; keep your estimates down to the exact figure 
that is absolutely necessary to run your department up 
to the full measure of its capacity, and to the highest 
point of efficiency, and I will guarantee that there will 
be little cutting done by the Committee of Congress," 
said the President. An appropriation of one hundred 
thousand dollars was secured by the President, for the 
purpose of reorganizing departmental methods, and 
last August the President sent four sets of experts to 
make a preliminary study of the situation and submit 



282 WILLIAM HOWARD TAFT 

a programme designed to bring about improved busi- 
ness methods. 

For the first time in the history of our country a 
comprehensive budget has been prepared dealing with 
estimated expenditures and the means of raising money 
to defray them. The fiscal year, ending in June, 1911, 
will see a saving of more than $94,000,000 in the esti- 
mates over 1910, and $55,000,000 less than the appro- 
priations for the latter year. 

Why William Taft Is Called a Bad Politician. 

Because, he says: "A new tariff bill always defeats 
a party — also the corporation tax — had come bringing 
with it the enmity of everybody directly or indirectly 
interested in the more than four hundred thousand 
corporations affected by it." 

There was the alleged postal deficit, which has been 
charged to the carrying of magazines and periodicals 
at one cent a pound. That was "bad politics" because 
it arrayed all the magazines and periodicals against 
the Administration. 

Another reason was that Congress only reduced the 
duty on print paper thirty per cent instead of putting 
it on the free list. 

This offended the newspapers, and, last of all, the 
Postal Savings Bank bill had turned all the bankers 
against the Administration. I am confident in the 
end that the measures will approve themselves." 

The troubles we most fear are those that never come. 
The measures that we promise ought to be adopted, 
not because they will give us political strength, but 
because they are right, and if they are right the peo- 



WILLIAM HOWAED TAFT 283 

pie will find them to be right, and that's best politics 
in the end. 

Attitude of the President in Regard to the Live Issues 
of the Day. 

In regard to the combinations of industrial capital 
or (the trusts), the President has said: "The course 
of the Administration has only been directed against 
such organized capital as was violating the statutes 
of the United States — and no other." 

Business men of our community, as a whole, are 
honest, and their methods are sound. 

"There must be something more than a mere union 
of capital and plant before the law is violated/' 

"The duty of interference devolves upon the Gov- 
ernment only when such a combination, by being able 
to control the market and maintain or raise prices 
diverts itself the benefits and leaves the public help- 
less in the hands of a monopoly." 

"I believe that combinations of capital, legitimately 
conducted, add to the prosperity of the country." 

"While most of the President's time is occupied in 
strenuous business, yet, he takes time to enjoy life 
with his friends. 

President and Cannon in Tie. 

While more than fifty guests looked on laughingly 
and applauded, Speaker Cannon tempted President 
Taft tonight into a test of terpsichorean agility in the 
East Room of the "White House. Both stopped, pant- 
ing, when the trial was ended, but the opinion was 
unanimous that the honors on fancy steps were even. 
The dancing followed a dinner given by the President 



284 WILLIAM HOWAED TAFT 

to ''Uncle Joe," said to be the first formal affair ever 
accorded a Speaker of the House of Representatives 
by the President. 

The dinner ended, the company went to the East 
Room, which boasts an ample and smooth dancing 
floor. 

An orchestra played a gentle waltz and the Presi- 
dent led off with Mrs. Joseph H. Gaines, wife of the 
Representative from West Virginia. The Speaker, 
with Mrs. Laughin, a sister of Mrs. Taft, glided out on 
the polished floor in the wake of his chief. Then the 
dance was on. 

In the intermission, however, when the orchestra 
struck up a lively tune, "Uncle Joe" stepped briskly 
into the middle of the room and brought his heels to- 
gether sharply. There was a patting of gloved hands 
and voices called encouragingly to the guest of honor. 
In a moment the Speaker's heels were swinging in a 
brilliant Highland fling. 

"Excellent, eh?" he called, exultingly, to Mr. Taft. 
"I was something of a dancer when I was a young- 
ster." 

For answer, the President stepped smilingly for- 
ward, and those who were present say the two execut- 
ed several steps of an old-fashioned "hoe down" that 
delighted every one. Both were puffing when they 
finished. 

Following the dancing, the President led his men 
guests to the smoking-room on an upper floor of the 
"White House, where an intimate talk was had in which 
partisan politics is said to have had no place. The 
women remained in the East Room. 



WILLIAM HOWAED TAFT 285 

A New Interest in Foreign Commerce. 

"The President has stimulated a new interest in 
foreign commerce. He insisted on China making good 
her pledge to admit American capital in the construc- 
tion of the Hankow Railway. He has appointed a 
special Commissioner to investigate the trade possi- 
bilities of the Far East, and has increased the consular 
crops in those regions. In South America, also, it is 
clear that President Taft is meditating a commercial 
campaign with ship subsidies as its foundation. 

His out and out declaration in favor of ship sub- 
sidies legislation and the upbuilding of the American 
merchant marine has caused considerable comment. 
Comparatively few persons are aware of the fact that 
foreign steamship companies receive about two hun- 
dred million dollars a year carrying American prod- 
ucts. 

"The American merchant marine would involve an 
investment of many millions of dollars, about thirty 
per cent, of which would go to labor. 

On the Pacific, nine vessels sail under the Stars and 
Stripes, while five hundred and fifty carry the Jap- 
anese flag. 

These Japanese vessels are capable of carrying two 
hundred thousand men at one time. 

When it is remembered that a group of Japanese 
and Europeans highly trained in the art of war, are at 
present organizing and training an army in China, and 
that Japanese vessels are at the present moment car- 
rying the Pacific Coast armament for the Philippines, 
there seems to be a fair argument in favor of an Amer- 
ican merchant marine. 



286 WILLIAM HOWAED TAFT 

President Taft Helping Y. M. C. A. Work. 

Contributions of $1,000,000 for a world-wide ex- 
pansion of the Young Men's Christian Association, 
$450,000 of which was given by John D. Rockefeller, 
were announced today at the conference of the Young 
Men's Christian Association workers in the East Room 
of the White House. 

President Taft addressed the delegation and heart- 
ily indorsed the organization. 

Mr. Wanamaker offered to erect another building in 
China in addition to the five foreign association build- 
ings already given by him. The subject of the con- 
ference was that of extension of the movement into 
the Far East, the Near East and to Latin America. 
More than 200 laymen from twenty-one States and 
Canada were present and Avere welcomed by President 
Taft, who gave the expansion project his earnest ap- 
proval and pledged to it his active support. 

Speaks for Himself. 

There will be times when my friends will say: 
"Poor Bill," he has gotten under some malign in- 
fluence ; somebody is advising him wrongly. It has 
been the history of every administration that they have 
had to face and criticism because of what is not under- 
stood. I ask not a suspension of your opinion, but 
that you still reserve for me a hope that your old 
friend is doing what he believes to be right. 

THE HERO. 

He is a hero who climbs high 
And lets the evil pass him by; 
Never halting to complain, 



WILLIAM HOWARD TAFT 287 

But pressing onward thru toil and pain, 

'Till at last the summit's gained, 

And the prize ''well done" is obtained. 

The President's Itinerary. 

President Taft has traveled 20,638 miles by railroad 
and 5,000 by automobile. Visited thirty States and 
two Territories. 

Made 348 speeches. Appointed 6,917 Federal offi- 
cers; sent eighteen messages to Congress; obtained 
enactment of new tariff law ; discharged three Federal 
officers — Chief Forester Gifford Pinchot, Associate 
Forester 0. W. Price and Law Officer A. W. Shaw. 
Forced the abdication of President Zelaya, dictator of 
Nicaragua. Shook hands with President Diaz on Mex- 
ican soil. 

Two Investigations. 

Two important Congressional investigations result- 
ed from conditions transpiring in the first year of the 
Taft regime — the conservation squabble and the high 
cost of living. The complainers are fond of compar- 
ing prices of meat of former years with those of the 
present. The following will explain itself and allay 
the fears of those who are affrighted at the discourag- 
ing (so-called) outlook: 

When we consider the population of the United 
States 93,402,151, including all the States and Terri- 
tories, District of Columbia, Alaska, Hawaii and Porto 
Rico, it is encouraging, and then, when added to that 
of the population of the Philippines, it makes a grand 
total of 101,100,000. Ohio, now the mother of Presi- 
dents, stands fourth in rank of population. 



288 WILLIAM HOWAED TAFT 

High Prices of Living. 

One who has been interested enough to know the 
relative cost of living since the Civil War has made 
the following comprehensive comparison: 

In I860 meat was 10 cents per pound. 

In 1880 meat was 15 cents per pound. 

In 1890 meat was 20 cents per pound. 

In 1910 meat was 25 cents per pound. 

The money price of an article is not always to be 
taken as the sole guide. Let us consider what a day's 
work of a mechanic would buy: 

He, in 1860, received $1 for ten hours' work. 

He, in 1880, received $2 for ten hours' work. 

He, in 1890, received $2.50 for ten hours' work. 

He, in 1910, received $3.60 for eight hours' work. 

In 1860 he could buy ten pounds of meat for one 
day's work. 

In 1880 he could buy ten pounds of meat for one 
day's work and have 50 cents left over. 

In 1890 likewise. 

In 1910 he could buy ten pounds for $2.50 and have 
$1.10 left over. 

In addition, instead of working ten hours as he had 
to in 1860, 1880 and 1890, now he works but nine, and 
in most cases only eight hours. 

If, before complaining, one would only remember 
how his father lived and how he was denied the com- 
forts of today, there would be no complaint. 

One factor in the problem of prices today is the 
refusal of the average American to live on the plans 
of his forefathers. In fact, the average workman of 
today enjoys comforts and luxuries unknown in the 



WILLIAM HOWARD TAFT 289 

palace of Queen Elizabeth. Probably if he were will- 
ing to live like the serfs and peasants of the European 
nations the ultimate cost of existence yould be about 
the same as it was when both wages and commodities 
ruled at a lower figure. 

To be sure, no intelligent person would deprive a 
single workman of the comforts which modern inven- 
tion have placed within his reach. At the same time 
everybody should recognize the fact that an unaltera- 
ble law regulates the relations between supply and 
demand. In other words, he who would dance must 
pay the piper, and it is unfair to shift the blame for 
such conditions to political parties or congressional 
enactments. 

Prices essentially are comparative. The man work- 
ing at $3.60 a day is able to buy meat at 25 cents a 
pound and save more money than the man who works 
at $1 a day and pays 10 cents a pound. After all is 
said and done, the thing that counts is what a man is 
able to save, rather than what he spends. 

About the Idle Rich. 

President Taft said: "The man who is wealthy 
enough to relieve him from any anxiety about support- 
ing his family owes it to society, to devote his atten- 
tion to public affairs, and one who does not do so is 
violating his duty." As a result of conditions discov- 
ered by the Collector at New York, President Taft has 
weeded out those responsible for custom frauds, and 
obtained the indictment of Sugar Trust officials. 

He has also ordered a new prosecution of the beef 
trust. 

With his capacity and high standard there can be 



290 WILLIAM HOWAED TAFT 

no doubt that the administration of Taft, which has 
done so much in less than two years, will stand forth 
as one of the most important in the history of the re- 
public. The people are bound to recognize his hon- 
esty, his loyalty to the best traditions of the race and 
his practical statesmanship. 

President Taft's Swing Around the Circle. 

During nine years of his official tours he has traveled 
221,500 miles. This would encircle the earth nine times, 
spending 556 nights in berths and 211 aboard steam- 
ships. He has covered thirty-five states and terri- 
tories. The last tour occupied eight weeks. He ad- 
dressed thousands of American citizens, made 75 
speeches and saw about one out of every 80 Americans. 

Various persons shared the President's hospitality. 
The President had with him at all times his secretary, 
Frederick Carpenter and Captain Archibald Butt, 
U. S. A., the young soldier-writer who acts as Mr. 
Taft's military aid, major-domo and companion, also 
a corps of stenographers and Secret Service men. For 
the first time the train was a White House en wheels. 
The Congress voted the President an addition $25,000 
to defray his expenses. Previous to this, the trans- 
portation of the President on his official tours were 
assumed by the various Railroad Companies. 

Passing through the prairie belt, he traversed the 
mountain fastnesses, climbing the Rockies, thence down 
to the Garden of the Gods, to Colorado Springs, on 
through the Royal Gorge of the Rockies into the beauti- 
ful Yosemite Valley — the Nation's Playground — on to 
the giant Sequoia trees standing in their majesty long 



WILLIAM HOWAED TAFT 291 

before the birth of Jesus of Nazareth, and after a stop 
at Los Angeles, on to the Grand Canyon of Colorado. 

On the 16th of October occurred one of the most 
picturesque international events of our recent history, 
there was seen a meeting of Profirio Diaz, part Indian, 
part white man, the wonder of modern states-craft, 
President and Ruler of Mexico for 29 years proceeding 
over the international bridge which spans the Rio 
Grande to meet President Taft and clasp his hand. 
Thus Mexico and the United States met in mutual 
friendship and brotherly love. 

Strange as it may seem, the 15th of September was 
the birthday of each of these Presidents, although Pro- 
firio is 27 years the senior of William H. Taft. 

The trip was begun at Beverly in an automobile, 
thence by rail, boat and every modern mode of travel, 
except the airship, has carried him on his journey. 

Back to Duty. 

A pen in the hands of the President of the United 
States is a power for comfort to thousands of people at 
times. President Taft signed his name to a Presidential 
order the other day, just six letters in all, and 8,000 
Postmasters were taken out of the political field, and 
the incumbents of these 8,000 post offices can rest as- 
sured that so long as they do nothing "unbecoming an 
officer and gentleman," they are secure in their places 
with their salary attachments. Not so very long ago 
the President signed those same six letters to another 
special order, and it took 1,200 Consuls out of politics. 
A United States Consul ranks with a Lieutenant or 
Major-General in the Army, according as to whether 
he is Consul or Consul-General, and if he is just a plain 



292 WILLIAM HOWAKD TAFT 

Consul, he receives $2,000, and if he is a Consul-Gen- 
eral, his salary is $12,000, and his promotion from 
Consul depends entirely upon the efficiency with which 
he discharges his duties. Consular appointments are 
now allotted to the various States in proportion to 
their representation in Congress. There is an old say- 
ing of Government clerks that "few die and none re- 
sign," and that it is this policy of nailing a man down 
in his official position to grow old in the service that 
is making a Government clerk retirement-act a neces- 
sity. One thing is sure. It relieves politicians of polit- 
ical pabulum, and it is not necessary for them to make 
any promises of office to any of their constituents, as 
they will be no longer able to secure offices, and one 
very great element of political work is thus dispensed 
with. 

Indorses McKinley Memorial Project. 

A splendid tribute to William McKinley and an in- 
dorsement of the project looking to the construction of 
a memorial hall and monument to his memory at Niles, 
Ohio, his birth-place, is contained in a letter from Pres- 
ident Taft to Joseph G. Butler, Jr., the well-known 
Youngstown capitalist, who stands sponsor for the new 
undertaking. President Taft's letter says: 

"Washington, D. C, October 27, 1910. 
"The White House. 

"My Dear Mr. Butler:— 
"I am in receipt of your letter in which you speak of 
your plan for a memorial hall and monument at Niles, 
Ohio, to perpetuate the name of the late President 
McKinley. I heartily sympathize with this movement, 
and hope that it may have the success which its object 
deserves. William McKinley was a man whom it was 



WILLIAM HOWAKD TAFT 293 

a great pleasure and inspiration to know. His high! 
patriotism, his steadfastness of purpose and devotion to 
duty, his gentleness, his cheering optimism, all endeared 
him to those who came in personal touch with him, as 
well as to the general public, who acquired their knowl- 
edge of him from his long service to the country. He 
was a man who rose to the exigency, and to whose 
capacity and greatness impressed themselves upon 
everyone, even his intimates, as the crisis in the coun- 
try's welfare developed. The demands of the Spanish 
War and the enormous responsibilities that followed it, 
called out his innate abilities and seemed to expend 
them in a marvelous way. 

"With best wishes, believe me, 
"Sincerely yours, 

"WILLIAM H. TAFT." 

Discipline Must be Maintained. 

There is one father at least who believes in "orders 
is orders," and that if there is a law it should be 
obeyed to the letter, and this father is Col. C. B. Byrne, 
U. S. Army, retired. His son, Charles Lawrence Byrne, 
is one of the four West Point cadets ordered by Presi- 
dent Taft to be confined to the area of the barracks 
until March 31, 1911, for his part in the milk punch 
episode at West Point. Cadet Byrne had been three 
years at West Point, and understood the rules of the 
Academy perfectly. When Col. Byrne was asked what 
he would do with regard to his son's punishment, he re- 
plied tersely: "I have no criticism to make, discipline 
must be maintained." If there was just a few more 
fathers like Col. Byrne it is hardly possible that there 
would not be half as many worthless sons making 
trouble for the communities in which they live. Lack 



294 WILLIAM HOWAKD TAFT 

of discipline in early life and in the home is what 
wrecks the lives of half of the men and women. 

Professional Opportunities. 

Extracts from the address delivered by "William H. 
Taft, President of the United States, before the Gradu- 
ating Class of Ohio Northern University at Ada, Ohio, 
June 31, 1910: 

"I congratulate the people of Ohio on having so great 
an institution in their midst and I especially congratu- 
late the founder, Dr. Lehr, on the marvelous growth of 
the institution and its sphere of influence in popular 
education." 

In political as well as in economic conditions, our 
country is subject to fluctuations of rise and decline. 
We have had these changes in past years, but history 
proves that we never had a decline from which we 
have failed to rise, and it is our recovering proclivities 
that we maintain confidence and increased stability. 

"It has been my privilege to promote many men 
in the various fields of government work, and invari- 
ably the promotion is governed through the logic of 
fitness. 'A man's promotion comes because of his own 
merit and not so much his own seeking.' 

"The influence of the Church will increase and will 
attract the best men to enter that field. 

' ' I have only one more thing to say ; lay up for your- 
selves a permanent foundation of good character. 
Without it life is a failure, no matter what other suc- 
cess, no matter what other failures you may have." 

At Beverly — Golden Vacation Days. 

The President had a succession of golden days for 
his Summer vacation. It is years and years since the 
North Shore had such a July and August as it has had 



WILLIAM HOWARD TAFT 295 

this year. There had hardly been one rainy day. A 
few refreshing showers have come to clear the air and 
lay the dust, althought on the oiled roads in this 
vicinity, there is little annoyance from that source. 
It rained one morning last week, and it looked as 
though the President would have to miss his daily 
game of golf. He so decided, but it soon cleared, and 
in an hour he was out upon the links, as usual. 

Less notice is taken nowadays of his movements 
about the North Shore. His games of golf excite little 
interest. All that is because Beverly is becoming ac- 
customed to the residence of a President in the vicinity. 
Folks used to crowd the space in front of the Unitarian 
Church, where he came to worship. Now, he comes and 
goes without drawing a crowd of curiosity seekers. 
This is very much to the President's liking. He pre- 
fers to avoid being an object of public curiosity, and 
really enjoys an opportunity of going about with as 
little fuss as though he were a private citizen. 

Beverly People Proud. 

The Beverly people are proud of the fact, that he has 
consented to lay the cornerstone of a new Y. M. C. A. 
Building late this month. Last year the President was 
one of the contributors to the building fund. The 
entente between him and Beverly has also been re- 
stored much by an invitation to Mayor Trowt to call 
with a company of city officials. Last year the Mayor 
prepared an address of welcome, and went to the rail- 
road station to meet the President. The Mayor was 
pretty strong on the importance of his municipal office ; 
and resented it keenly when the President greeted Mrs. 
Taft, jumped into the waiting automobile, and rode 



296 WILLIAM HOWARD TAFT 

away without giving him an opportunity to read the 
address. 

Of course, the citizens of Beverly have "guyed" the 
Mayor mercilessly about that undelivered address of 
welcome, and he probably will never hear the last of it. 
However, it is some salve to the Mayor's wounds that 
he should be invited down to the cottage to meet the 
President. That is an honor which falls to few people 
in Beverly, outside of those who occupy the beautiful 
cottages on the North Shore. 

There was a funny incident about the invitation to 
the Mayor. He was making ready for a junket to 
Atlantic City, with members of a Committee on Sewers. 
The original date for his reception at the cottage was 
fixed for the time when he would be away. He insisted 
upon going to Atlantic City, and Secretary Norton 
obligingly changed the date to Monday of next week. 

Kindness of Heart. 
Injured by Taft Automobile. 

A most distressing accident occurred at Beverly, 
Mass., last week which has worried the President very 
seriously. His son, Robert Taft, was automobiling 
with some young friends near Beverly, and accident- 
ally ran oven an Italian, and injured him so seriously 
that he may die. 

The story of the accident is that at Pride's Crossing, 
about two miles from the Summer Home of the Presi- 
dent, the roads were being oiled by a gang of men. 
The automobile driven by young Taft slowed down 
and sounded the horn, and most of the men stepped 
aside. One of them, however, an Italian named This- 



WILLIAM HOWARD TAFT 297 

tolla, was not quick enough, and the machine struck 
him and tossed him into a gutter. He was uncon- 
scious when picked up by young Taft and his two 
friends. A physician was summoned, and the injured 
man sent directly to a hospital, where young Taft and 
his friends followed. The hospital surgeons said that 
the skull appeared to be fractured. Those who saw 
the accident say that it was purely an accident, that 
the automobile was going slowly and that the man 
stepped directly in front of it. 

President Taft spent a very anxious day on Monday 
and wired a Boston surgeon to go to Beverly to look 
after the Italian. 

The accident seriously interfered with the plans of 
the Taft family, who were preparing to depart on the 
Sylph to New London to attend the Harvard-Yale re- 
gatta on Thursday. The President was to have joined 
them there. All plans were given up, however, and 
nothing was done until the Italian was pronounced 
out of danger. 

President's Return for One Night's Rest. 

For a brief time the cares of state, insurgents and 
tariff agitation, were lifted from his shoulders. A 
crowd of 1,500 people has been waiting before his 
brother Charles' residence on Pike Street, for upwards 
of four hours. School children by the hundreds 
cheered each other by "Here he comes!" only to see 
the automobile fly past on its way. A terrific shout 
of applause went up at the first glimpse of the Presi- 
dent's approach. Smiling, always smiling and greet- 
ing his friends, he was literally dragged up the steps 
into the hallway where many friends with hearty hand- 



298 WILLIAM HOWAED TAFT 

shake received him. One of the most touching features 
of the reception was when Mrs. Anna Beccund, a 
woman between sixty and seventy years of age, stepped 
up just as the President alighted from the automobile 
and thrust a bunch of three dozen American Roses into 
his hands, at the same time, he shook her hand and 
bent down tenderly while she whispered in his ears, 
words that no one heard. He took the flowers, ad- 
mired them, lifted them up and then passed them to 
one of the attendants, caught the woman by both hands 
and beamed upon her one of his broadest smiles. Mrs. 
Beccund had been waiting three hours. "Every time 
he comes," she said, to some one near, "he knows I am 
waiting for him with his flowers." 

His handclasp was the same hearty one and his old- 
time resonant laugh has all the old familiar ring as in 
his boyhood days. The domestic servants who have 
been with the family since the President was a rising 
young lawyer, were generously greeted as in days 
of yore. 

Cincinnati has not lost its charm, for notwithstand- 
ing his fatigue, he was not too tired to ride through its 
parks and suburbs and expressed himself most en- 
thusiastically on the progress made in the park system 
and was charmed afresh with the magnificent views 
from the hills surrounding the city down in the valley. 

Had Quiet Morning. 

The President spent the morning quietly, breakfast- 
ing with a few personal friends and receiving calls 
from one or two others of a personal and intimate 
nature until the committee of directors arrived to escort 
him to Music Hall. Besides President Reynolds, the 



WILLIAM HOWAED TAFT 299 

committee consisted of Secretary Mitchell, Treasurer 
Seiter, Vice President Varner, Directors Egan, Geier 
and Stewart and Commissioner-General Davison. All 
but one or two of them the President has known for 
years, and he welcomed them with his enthusiasm of old 
acquaintance. 

"How are you, Bob? I'm glad to see you," was the 
welcome to President Reynolds, and to each of the 
others he had some personal word of welcome. 

"Now, gentlemen. I'm in your hands," he said, 
after all had greeted him. 

"Let us start then," said Mr. Reynolds, and without 
delay the party left the house, stopping for a moment 
on the board walk to be photographed, and then made 
ready to climb into the waiting automobiles. 

Outside the Taft house a crowd of several hundred 
had gathered, waiting for the President to appear. As 
his familiar form came in sight, they sent up a cheer, 
and the President bowed in reply. So thick was the 
crowd that the automobiles had difficulty in getting 
under way, but the start was soon made. 

Heading the procession was the automobile of the 
Cincinnati Police Department. Then came the Presi- 
dential car, with the President and Mr. Reynolds oc- 
cupying the back seat, and "Jimmy" Sloan, the famous 
Presidential bodyguard of the secret service, standing 
on the running-board. The rest of the directors and 
the Presidential party, with the newspaper men, fol- 
lowed in three other automobiles. 

The cars whizzed along Fourth avenue to Main, up 
Main to Seventh, along Seventh to Race, to Fourteenth 
and across to Elm and the exposition gates. At Seventh 
and Race avenues the Presidential car narrowly missed 



300 WILLIAM HOWAED TAFT 

breaking up the parade of a minstrel show. The last 
minstrel had just got out of the way when the auto- 
mobile passed. He saw the car and noted its occu- 
pant. He called the attention of the other paraders to 
it, and they stopped their music and cheered vociferous- 
ly until the car was out of sight. 

William Howard Taft, citizen of Cincinnati and 
President of the United States, was received with the 
acclaim of cheering thousands, the tolling of the great 
bells and the ceremonial dignity befitting his high 
office, as he wended his way toward the Exposition. 

It was a quarter past 11 o'clock when the President 
left the home of his brother, Charles P. Taft, on Pike 
Avenue, and fifteen minutes later arrived at the exposi- 
tion. Those fifteen minutes of progress through Cin- 
cinnati's streets were full of incident. Without any 
advance information as to the route the President 
would take, large crowds gathered in front of the Taft 
residence and at Music Hall: all along the line Cin- 
cinnatians recognized their distinguished townsman 
and cheered him, applauded him, waved their hats or 
their handkerchiefs to him, and in such ways as they 
could devise on the spur of the moment, bade him 
welcome. 

In front of Music Hall a great crowd had gathered. 
There were fully a thousand in the throng outside the 
gates, while as many were massed around the steps of 
Music Hall. Inside the wide lobby was packed with a 
mass of humanity, while from the gallery above, look- 
ing down through the oval well that gives a view of 
the entire entrance lobby, people were crowded so 
thickly that there was not room for another pair of 
eyes. 



WILLIAM HOWARD TAFT 301 

Warned by their experience on Roosevelt day, the 
exposition management had made much better pro- 
visions for handling the crowds on this occasion. A 
lane had been roped off from the sidewalk through the 
lobby, and to the incline leading up to the Southern 
Resources' exhibit, and policemen in force were on 
hand to keep the crowd back of the ropes. 

The President responded to the salutes of the crowd 
by lifting his hat and smiling as he passed through the 
gates on the arm of Robert R. Reynolds, president of 
the exposition, and closely followed by the other 
directors, who had gone to the Taft home to escort 
him. Inside the lobby the rest of the directors were 
lined up to make a lane through which the President 
passed, bowing and smiling to the right and left. 

No trainmaster was ever more proud of keeping up 
the traffic on schedule time than was President Rey- 
nolds, official pilot of the President of the United States 
on the tour of the Ohio Valley Exposition. The party 
entered the grounds sharply at 11 :30 and sat down to 
luncheon a half hour later in the "Over-the-Rhine" 
cafe. 

President Taft's pilgrimage through the exposition 
was one succession of pleasing incidents. His fellow- 
men were thoroughly glad to see him, and as proud as 
glad. Mr. Taft greeted his old friends at every turn. 
Men preceded him five minutes at all points with ropes, 
so that when the official party arrived at any one point, 
there was always ready for their use an aisle perfectly 
clear of people. This greatly facilitated the move- 
ments of the President, and he and his hosts were able 
to make much quicker time than anticipated. 

With President Reynolds of the Exposition as Presi- 



302 WILLIAM HOWAED TAFT 

dent Taft's personal escort, and with Secretary Norton 
in charge of Congressman Longworth, Capt. Archibald 
Butt, the President's aide and secret service officers, 
Chief of Police Millikin and a long string of directors, 
trailing behind, President Taft walked at a rapid pace 
and earned the reputation of being a stout campaigner. 

The President was first escorted to the hall in which 
the Southern Exhibit was displayed. He had expressed 
a desire to go there first. On his entrance into the 
hall, Edward Hafer of Georgia, advanced with a 
gigantic bouquet of roses in his hand. He made a 
neat little speech, saying: "Mr. President, on behalf 
of the representatives of the eleven Southern States re- 
sponsible for this display of the resources representing 
the finest that has ever been gathered together, I desire 
to present to you this bouquet of American Beauty 
Koses, wrapt in the flag of the nation, and tied with the 
colors of the loyal South. Our wish is that your jolly 
personality and charming smile may long grace the 
council board of the Nation." 

The President was visibly pleased at this graceful 
speech, and he showed it when he accepted the flowers 
with a few words of thanks. Capt. Butt took charge 
of the roses, which were sent to the Taft home. 

The President then made a tour of the second floor 
of the Southern exhibit, examining grains and cereals, 
fruits and coal, fish and fowl, but kept moving the 
while. "When he came to an exhibit of Southern wine 
in charge of B. E. Rice, the President asked laughingly : 
"Do you succeed in shipping that produce into certain 
Southern States?" 

"I'm a railroad man," replied Rice, with a broad 



WILLIAM HOWAED TAFT 303 

grin, "and I decline to be interviewed." The whole 
party laughed. 

Coming to an exhibit of Southern apples, great 
luscious fruit, the President stopped. He is a lover of 
apples. The attendant promptly held out two of the 
biggest. 

"I'd like to," said Mr. Taft, "but you see I can not 
put them inside just now, and I can't very well carry 
them outside. So I'll have to leave them." 

When the President reached the automobile building 
a terrific "honk, honk" was set up in his honor. The 
President found it too noisy to tarry and passing 
into the upper canal-reach of the exposition, he en- 
countered Tilden R. French. The President stopped 
and shook hands. Miss Deaver, a pretty woman in a 
white dress, tendered President Taft a glass of butter- 
milk through the window of a booth and the President 
drank every drop of it. Miss Deaver was tremblingly 
happy. 

The party stopped a few moments at the model of 
the great coal fleet and the President seemed impressed 
by the possibilities of waterways. Later he stopped 
at the model of the Fernbank Dam, in charge of Col. 
Harry Ellard. Mr. Ellard showed a letter by the 
President's father in the fifties, in which he had advo- 
cated waterways. 

In the Government exhibit, soldiers and sailors m 
charge of the various booths, stood at attention as the 
President passed. Thus, from point to point, the Pres- 
ident moved and on every hand he was greeted with 
the very cordial clapping of the hands. Occasionally 
an enthusiast would shout the familiar "Hello, Bill!" 



304 "WILLIAM HOWAED TAFT 

President Made an Address Before Great Throng. 

Every seat in Music Hall was taken and 2,000 persons 
on the outside were clamoring for admission when 
President Taft finished his lunch at the "Over-the- 
Rhine" restaurant. Following a short reception in 
the restaurant, President Taft was escorted to Music 
Hall by Mayor Schwab and President Reynolds of the 
Exposition Company. The crowd was so great that 
police had to rope off a passageway from the restau- 
rant. As the President appeared on the stage he was 
recognized even before he had proceeded half way 
through the crowd that filled the huge stage. Then, 
there followed a demonstrative welcome that fairly 
shook the building. It continued some time, while 
the President bowed and smiled, awaiting an oppor- 
tunity to speak. 

It probably was the greatest demonstration ever seen 
in Music Hall. From the entire hall there arose a 
mighty shout, which rose and fell, like the waves of a 
mighty ocean, partly subsiding only to gain in volume 
again. 

President Taft was introduced by President Reynolds 
of the exposition in a very few words. 

When President Taft arose he was again greeted with 
tremendous and continued applause. 

The address of President Taft in Music Hall on 
Wednesday, in commemoration of the completion of the 
Fernbank Dam, was as follows : 

"My Friends and Fellow-Citizens: 

"Since I left this, my old home, more than ten years 
ago, I have been able to revisit it only a few times, 
and then for not more than a day of two at a time. 
I welcome this opportunity to meet old friends and to 



WILLIAM HOWAED TAFT 305 

renew old associations, for here after my official duties 
are discharged at Washington, I expect to return and 
to spend the rest of my life. In ten years great 
changes can come over a community. The one that 
strikes me most is the fact that I have to recognize 
the most active men and women of the community 
today, not by recollecting their own faces, but by their 
resemblance to their fathers and their mothers. 

"You are having an exposition and are acting as host 
to those who from the neighboring counties and states 
contribute to your business life, and to those who are 
attracted here by the opportunities for artistic and 
social enjoyment that an old, solid, but public-spirited 
and advanced community can offer. Your music, your 
art, your educational system, and the character of your 
people give you a distinct type, which, in comparison 
with other communities, does not depend for its ex- 
cellence upon the percentage of increase in your popu- 
lation or those statistics of material growth which the 
new and excessively-growing city hugs to its bosom. 
There are things in this world beside numbers and 
beside money, and some of these things can only be ob- 
tained by a quiet growth that it takes time to give. 

"The names of this city's benefactors: Woodward, 
Hughes, McMicken, Davidson, Probasco, Longworth, 
Springer, Sinton, Goshorn, Theodore Thomas, Mrs. 
Storer, Thorns, Hanna, Van Woermer, Procter, Ingalls, 
Emery, Schmidlapp, and many others — are names 
which bring in review the interest which this com- 
munity has had, and which it has been encouraged in 
having, in education, music, art, and esthetic culture, 
and confirms those of us who know the city intimately 
and love it in thinking it better to live here and remain 
in comparative poverty than to go elsewhere and grow 
rich. It is not that we haven't business energy and 
enterprise and forethought, for there is as much busi- 
ness patronage from the surrounding territory tribu- 
tary to Cincinnati as in the case of many cities that 
have more souls within their corporate limits. But 
with a large population across the Ohio in Kentucky, 



306 WILLIAM HOWAED TAFT 

which is as much a part of this community for busi- 
ness and social purposes as if there were no river 
there, we must always be content to have our statistics 
as a city minimize our importance, and must find our 
satisfaction in the fact that from our Post-Office square 
and from our banks, there radiates an influence in busi- 
ness, in education, in social and esthetic matters, 
greater than from the centers of cities of far and large 
pretension." 

After his speech the President was hurried to the 
Refuge Home. 

Refuge Home. 

Leaving the temporary white house, President Taft 
and escort went directly to the refuge home, where 
they arrived at 12 o'clock. They were met at the 
gates by Captain Maxon, U. S. A., with six soldiers 
who acted as a bodyguard to the President. The 
cadets' corps of the institution was also drawn up as a 
battalion and saluted the President as he entered. 
Mayor Schwab, Vice Mayor Galvin, Safety Director 
Small and Superintendent James Allison were also on 
hand to receive their distinguished guest and escort him 
over the institution. 

Talks to Refuge Children. 

After he was entertained by the children of the 
home with songs and drills, he then gave a short talk. 
In speaking to the children, President Taft was very 
much in earnest, as he was deeply impressed by what 
he had seen and wanted to leave behind him a message 
that would help the young people in their after life. 
In part, the President said: 



WILLIAM HOWAED TAFT 307 

"My boys, if you will only do everything that you 
know you ought to do with as much vim, and succeed 
in making as much impression by noise as you did this 
cheering, you will be successful in life. 

"I don't know whether I can convey to you and 
get into your minds and hearts, so that you will recol- 
lect it in future life, the thought that I am sure comes 
into the mind of every patriotic man and of every man 
who loves his kind, when he looks into your faces and 
takes into consideration your surroundings and the cir- 
cumstances that are here. It's that of a tender con- 
sideration for you, an honest wish that you may rise 
above the misfortunes that you have suffered, that 
you may improve the opportunities, the lessons, the 
tasks and everything that is taught here, and that you 
may become what my little friend hopes he may be- 
come, president of the United States, each one of you. 
That would make up a good many presidents, but it 
isn't necessary that any one should become president 
of the United States to be great. 

"There are places that are filled by happier men 
than the president of the United States, perhaps. It 
is enough for you to grow up to be good men and 
women, to enjoy life as you ought to do, to do the 
work that is set before you, to be honest, to be kind 
to the boys with whom you play, to do that which you 
know and which you are taught to be right, and the 
satisfaction that you will have in the result of that life 
is much greater than you can have in attaining a place 
like the presidency of the United States, or any other 
great office." 

Stops at Woodward School. 

The next stop of the Presidential schedule was at 
the new Woodward High School, where he was to be 
chief speaker at the intalling in the base of the monu- 
ment of William Woodward of two memorial boxes. 
The vicinity of the school was crowded to the limit 



308 WILLIAM HOWAKD TAFT 

and the detail of police under Lieutenant Carroll had 
all they could do to keep order. 

The 1,200 boys and girls of the school were grouped 
in the north court yard and the graduates were ar- 
ranged to the south. Facing the monument site was a 
decorated speaking platform, which was reserved for 
the Taft company and several prominent Woodward 
alumni and city officials. 

On the arrival of the Presidential party, Guy Mallon, 
who presided, introduced the Rev. Harry Crane of the 
class of '77, who made a short invocation. Albert 
Shockley, president of the union board of high schools, 
was introduced, but did not make a speech, confining 
himself to reading a list of the articles which were to be 
placed in a box in the base of the monument. 

There were two of these boxes. One of them had 
been placed in the base of the original monument when 
it had been put into position in 1876 at the west side of 
the old Woodward Building. When it was decided to 
remove the Woodward statue to the east front of the 
new building on Broadway, the box was secured when 
the monument was dismantled, but was not opened. 

When the President was introduced he received a 
rousing ovation in which the Woodward yell was the 
distinguishing feature. The President did not care to 
make his talk a serious one and devoted himself to 
some mild chaffing of Mr. Shockley and others of the 
Woodward Alumnal association, of which Mr. Taft is 
president. 

Dedicated School Three Times. 

"It must be because of the intense Woodward spirit 
that we have had so many excuses for meeting in con- 
nection with the erection of this building," he said. 



WILLIAM HOWAED TAFT 309 

"We have dedicated it three times, I know; and we 
have had several ceremonies connected with the re- 
moval of the remains of Mr. and Mrs. "Woodward to 
the place they now occupy. 

"If they had the same sentiment that Shakespeare 
had concerning the disposition of their bodies, we would 
be paying but little reverence to their wishes. But 
this is just the desire of Woodward men to pay tribute 
to the memory of the men who made Woodward pos- 
sible, and to felicitate ourselves on every occasion that 
we are Woodward men and women. 

"I never can get within fifty miles of .Cincinnati on 
any of my travels, but what I receive a letter from Mr. 
Shockley and Miss O'Connell telling me that there is 
to be a meeting of the Woodward Alumni and that they 
want me to be present. By judiciously changing and 
arranging my dates, I have managed to keep concealed 
from you that what I am saying today, I have said in 
the past. 

"Indeed, an occasion like this calls for but one thing 
to say. It is to explain our gratitude to the men and 
women who looked forward and founded an institu- 
tion like this, where we received our education in the 
spirit of democracy which enables us to be good cit- 
izens." 

Proud He Was Woodward Boy. 

"I am proud, indeed, to have been the pupil of Prof. 
Harper, Chauncey Stuntz, Miss Walters, and all the 
other fine men and women who were educators here 
when I was a pupil. It was a place where I learned 
to know the value of education and to understand the 
necessity of application to obtain it. 

"I was, happily, able to find myself in a community 
where, if I wanted an acknowledgment of my im- 
portance, I had to hammer on it myself. It was a true 
democracy, in which nobody had a reward who had 
not earned it, and it was the best preparation for 
our American life, as it gave equal opportunities to 



310 WILLIAM HOWARD TAFT 

all, and those who improved their opportunities found 
themselves near the head. 

"I was told when I came here that I was not ex- 
pected to do or say anything, but to put a couple of 
boxes in a hole, but, as usual, Mr. Shockley has suc- 
ceeded in putting me in the hole. It is a great privi- 
lege for me to tell you, however, how glad I am that 
I was a Woodward boy and that all of us, except my 
father, received our education at Woodward." 

On the conclusion of his short talk, President Taft 
took the two boxes to the base of the monument, where 
he placed them in the receptacle prepared for them and 
covered them with sand and concrete. 

After an interval of rest, the President left Cin- 
cinnati midst most profound regrets and the good will 
of the people. 

President Taft Issues His Thanksgiving Proclamation 
—November 6, 1910. 

The vigorous growth and progress of the country as 
reflected by the records of population and harvests and 
the general conditions of international peace, are things 
for which thanksgiving is especially due for the year 
1910, according to the annual Thanksgiving day procla- 
mation issued by President Taft today. The proclama- 
tion is as follows : 

"This year of 1910 is drawing to a close. The rec- 
ords of population and harvests, which are the index 
of progress, above vigorous national growth and the 
health and prosperous well being of our communities 
throughout this land and in our possessions beyond 
the seas. These blessings have not descended upon 
us in restricted measure, but overflow and abound. 
They are the blessings and bounty of God. 

"We continue to be at peace with the rest of the 



WILLIAM HOWARD TAFT 311 

world. In all essential matters our relations with 
other peoples are harmonious, with an ever growing 
reality of friendliness and depth of recognition of 
mutual dependence. It is especially to be noted that 
during the past year, great progress has been achieved 
in the cause of arbitration, and the peaceful settlement 
of international disputes. 

"Now, therefore, I, William Howard Taft, president 
of the United States of America, in accordance with the 
wise custom of the civil magistrate since the first settle- 
ments in this land, and with the rule established from 
the foundation of this government, do appoint Thurs- 
day, November 24, 1910, as a day of national thanks- 
giving and prayer, enjoining the people upon that day 
to meet in their churches for the praise of Almighty 
God and to return heartfelt thanks to him for all his 
goodness and loving kindness. 

"In witness, whereof, I have hereunto set my hand 
and caused the seal of the United States to be affixed. 

"Done at the City of Washington, this fifth day of 
November, in the year of our Lord, one thousand nine 
hundred and ten, and of the Independence of the 
United states, the one hundred and thirty-fifth. 

"WILLIAM H. TAFT. 

"By the president. 

"ALVEY A. ADEE, Acting Secretary of State." 

President Taft at Panama. 

Encouraging reports came from Panama where Pres- 
ident Taft recently inspected the work that is going 
forward on the inter-ocean canal. It is stated confi- 
dently that this monumental enterprise, which will 
make the Pyramids seems insignificant in comparison, 
will be completed and ready for traffic by 1915. Colo- 
nel Goethals has recommended to the President that the 
canal be fortified by the military government of the 
Canal Zone. This should be done of course if only to. 



312 WILLIAM HOWAED TAFT 

protect our own property. A hostile battleship, once 
it got inside, might do irreparable damage to this 
waterway. It should also be necessary if this water- 
way is to be used by the United States in case of war 
to command the entrances with big guns that could 
keep an enemy at a respectable distance while our 
ships were emerging for battle formation. 

One of the principal events of the President's visit 
was the dinner given in his honor by the acting Presi- 
dent of the Republic at which Mr. Taft stated emphatic- 
ally that the United States had not the least inten- 
tion of annexing Panama. The treaty between the 
two countries, he declared, makes the United States 
the guarantor of the integrity of the Republic, and 
in a sense the guardian of the liberties of her people. 

"The first thing that strikes me," said the Presi- 
dent, after his tour of inspection, "is the fact that 
work is being done apparently on every foot of the 
fifty miles of the canal, and done under an organization 
of men, implements, and material that operates as 
economically and effectively as if it were a machine 
with Goethals in control of a lever which sets and 
keeps the whole machine in operation. 

"The Gatum Dam Lock, with the lake already 
eighteen feet and slowly rising to a level of eighty-five 
feet, which will constitute the key to the whole plan 
of the canal, is so far advanced that taken with Cule- 
bra Cut and the locks on the Pacific side a definite 
picture is given of what the canal is to me, which in- 
spires one with eagerness for its completion." 

It is interesting to note the use that is made of the 
Star Spangled Banner when the President takes a 
journey. 



WILLIAM HOWAKD TAFT 313 

President Taft as a Traveler. 

As to flags for the Presidential voyage, one large one 
for use on the ship, which is hauled down when he goes 
ashore, and one smaller to be used on the launch or 
barge which conveys the President to and from the 
warship. 

When it is designed to show an extra amount of style 
for the landing of the President, a large and handsome 
rug is spread over the stern of the launch upon which 
he sits, the sides trailing over in the water. This is 
what the younger officers refer to as "putting on lots 
of dog. ' ' Once during the voyage the President makes 
a tour of the ship and sees everything and everybody, 
going from top to bottom. He enjoys the tropical air 
and it does him lots of good. He became accustomed to 
that kind of climate when he was in the Philippines, 
and he sniffs the air with pleasure as soon as the ship 
gets into the Caribbean Sea. 

He is a good sailor, having been around the world 
three times, never has been sea-sick, not even felt the 
slighest disposition. His exercise of three miles on 
deck every day gives him fresh air sufficient for a good 
appetite. 

No idle moments find place in the President's pro- 
gram. His time is occupied in reading, reviewing the 
annual reports of the cabinet officers, public docu- 
ments about affairs of the government, together with 
drafts of portions of his annual message which have 
been prepared in the different departments. 

Executive in Storm. 

Monday morning brought the only disagreeable 
weather of the voyage. Off the north Florida coast 



314 WILLIAM HOWAKD TAFT 

the Presidential cruisers ran into the tail of a cyclone 
disturbance. The sea was very rough and for hours 
the big cruisers were shipping water over the for- 
castles. 

Speed was reduced almost to nothing for a time; 
hatches were batten down and ventilators and all other 
gear lashed to the decks. The height of the storm was 
passed about 3 a. m., and the sea did not moderate until 
well toward noon. President Taft is a splendid sailor 
and did not mind the shaking up in the least. 

President Taft spent three of the five days of the 
homeward journey on his message to Congress, and 
dictated the first draft of the major portion of it. 

Mr. Taft was anxious to get back to Washington 
and was ready to plunge into the winter's work. His 
stopover in Richmond is to make a speech before the 
Virginia Educational conference at noon tomorrow. 

G. M. Cook, chief of the Pamunkey tribe of Indians, 
today brought to Governor Mann the annual tribute the 
Pamunkeys are pleased to pay to the Governor of Vir- 
ginia. This tribute this time consisted of partridges 
and wild duck. 

The Indian said that they had told him the great 
father in Washington would pay a visit to Richmond 
and would breakfast tomorrow with the little father. 

Cook's gift, with other things, will be served at the 
Presidential breakfast at the gubernatorial mansion. 

Panama Canal. 

At the instance of Col. Goethals, the army engineer 
officer in charge of the work on the Panama canal, I 
have just made a visit to the Isthmus to inspect the 



WILLIAM HOWAED TAFT 315 

work done and to consult with him on the ground as 
to certain problems which are likely to arise in the near 
future. The progress of the work is most satisfactory. 
If no unexpected obstacle presents itself, the canal will 
be completed well within the time fixed by Col. Goe- 
thals, to-wit, January 1, 1915, and within the estimate 
of cost, $375,000,000. 

Press reports have reached the United States from 
time to time giving accounts of slides of earth of very 
large yardage in the Culebra Cut and elsewhere along 
the line, from which it might be inferred that the work 
has been much retarded and that the time of comple- 
tion has been necessarily postponed. 

The report of Doctor Hayes of the Geological Survey, 
whom I sent within the last month to the Isthmus to 
make an investigation, shows that this section of the 
Canal Zone is composed of sedimentary rocks of rather 
weak structure and subject to almost immediate disin- 
tegration when exposed to the air. Subsequent to the 
deposition of the sediments, igneous rocks, harder and 
more durable, have been thrust into them, and being 
cold at the time of their intrusion, united but indiffer- 
ently with the sedimentary rock at the contacts. The 
result of these conditions is that as the cut is deep- 
ened, causing unbalanced pressures, slides from the 
sides of the cut have occurred. These are in part due 
to the flowing of the surface soil and decomposed sedi- 
mentary rocks upon inclined surfaces of the underlying 
undecomposed rock and in part by the crushing of 
structurally weak beds under excessive pressure. 
These slides occur on one side or the other of the cut 
through a distance of four or five miles, and now that 
their character is understood, allowance has been made 



316 "WILLIAM HOWAED TAFT 

in the calculations of yardage for the amount of slides 
which will have to be removed and the greater slope 
that will have to be given to the bank in many places 
in order to prevent their recurrence. Such allowance 
does not exceed ten million yards. Considering that 
the number of yards removed from this cut on an aver- 
age of each month through the year is 1,300,000, and 
that the total remaining to be excavated, including 
slides, is about 30,000,000 yards, it is seen that this 
addition to the excavation does not offer any great 
reason for delay. 

The President is deeply gratified over conditions in 
Panama. The canal is taking form rapidly, and its 
successful completion is no longer looked upon by the 
Executive with the slightest degree of doubt. Mr. Taft 
has absolute faith in Colonel Goethals, the chief engi- 
neer, and the members of his staff. 

The personal inspection of the Gatum Dam, the two 
nights of locks and Culebra Cut greatly impressed 
the President, and he declared if all American citizens 
could see these works there could not be any misgiv- 
ings as to the completion of the canal. 

Collision Is Averted. 

The trip up from Panama w.as filled with exciting 
incidents. On Friday night last, about 140 miles south 
of Guantanamo, Cuba, the Tennessee narrowly averted 
a collision with a German training ship, supposed to 
be the Freya. A small squall had shut in around the 
presidential squadron, the weather being so thick the 
steersman could hardly see a ship's length ahead. 

The storm was brief, and as it cleared, the big Ger- 
man ship was cutting directly across the Tennessee's 



WILLIAM HOWARD TAFT 317 

steel bows — not a quarter of a mile away. The helm on 
the Tennessee was put hard over. The Freya continued 
on her course. There was no exchange of signals. 

On Saturday the President spent three hours at 
Guantanamo looking over the American naval base 
and rifle ranges there. It was the first time an Ameri- 
can President had set foot on Cuba. The territory 
visited by Mr. Taft, however, is under American sov- 
ereignty. 

President Taft came to Norfolk to-day, reviewing a 
parade ; made two speeches, in which he bespoke his in- 
terest in a practical system of waterway improvement, 
to be carried forward on a life-like basis, and not 
merely as a means of distributing patronage ; partook 
of an oyster roast and attended a smoker in honor of 
visiting newspaper men. 

The President retired to-night on the naval yacht 
Mayflower. The Mayflower to-morrow morning will 
go to Hampton, where the President will attend a meet- 
ing of the board of trustees of the Hampton Normal 
Institute, of which he is a member. In the afternoon 
he will deliver an address to the colored students, and 
then sail to "Washington. 

Mrs. Taft in Party. 

Mrs. Taft and her sister, Mrs. T. K. Laughlin of Pitts- 
burg, accompanied the President to Norfolk. 

Mr. Taft was the dinner guest of Fergus Reld, of this 
city, and a company of Norfolk people. Mrs. Taft 
dined aboard the Mayflower. 

A reception to the Norfolk committee-men and the 
delegates to the convention began the day's programme, 
and then followed the parade and speech by the Presi- 



318 WILLIAM HOWAKD TAFT 

dent from a reviewing stand. In his speech the Presi- 
dent, after detailing his views as to waterways im- 
provement, spoke a word for the United States navy, 
declaring that the prestige of the nation demands that 
the navy be kept to a high standard of force and effi- 
ciency. 

The President also declared he was in favor of forti- 
fying Hampton Roads, the greatest strategical base in 
the world, by erecting an impregnable fort on an 
island, placed half way between the Virginia capes. 
He hoped to see the plan adopted during his term as 
President. 

Efficient Navy Wanted. 

The President referred to the battle of the Merrimac 
and the Monitor, and said : "I want a navy to continue 
to be maintained worthy of this country. We are not 
knocking anybody's chip off his shoulder, and we are 
not having a chip on our shoulder, but we *are a great 
nation of eighty or ninety millions of people, and we 
must in order, under the present conditions, to main- 
tain the prestige that is proportionate to our stand 
before the world, have a navy that is worth seeing 
and able to fight if it has to." 

The President was taken by special train to Cape 
Henry for an old-fashioned oyster roast. 

The waterways delegates, having practically com- 
pleted the business of their convention yesterday, gave 
the day over in participating in the welcome to the 
President. 

In order to make himself heard in speaking at Cape 
Henry, the President stood on a chair. Next to him 
sat Andrew Carnegie, who joined the presidential party 
this morning. 



WILLIAM HOWAED TAFT 319 

Formidable Fortress Urged. 

"I am glad," said Mr. Taft, "to be here, where, in 
spite of the views of my distinguished neighbor, 
Brother Carnegie, we ought to put a formidable fortress 
— right here. Both Carnegie and I are working toward 
the same end, and we believe in peace, though I am not 
quite so near the millenium as he is. But we are work- 
ing in the same direction, and with the same principles, 
and we don't differ so much. 

"Now, about this waterways association. I have 
heard, gentlemen — I think I heard — one distinguished 
speaker intimate that he did not see what was the 
necessity of a waterway when it was only a biscuit 
throw into the ocean, but that is because he comes 
from Illinois. 

"If in the discharge of his duty it had been his 
fate, as it has been mine, to go around this neighboring 
Cape Hatteras, he would understand the difference in a 
biscuit throw. He would know that there is something 
in quiet water. 

Stomach as Barometer. 

"If he does not believe it, let him get on the Sylph, 
or the Mayflower, and travel up from here when there 
is a good strong wind blowing in Hampton Roads, and 
tell the difference between Chesapeake Bay and the 
Potomac River. He would feel it in his stomach. Seri- 
ously speaking, my dear friends, I think it is a ripe 
moment to say that conventions are good and speeches 
are good of a general character in stirring up a move- 
ment toward a result, but you don't reach the result, 
and you never will until you get measurements and 



320 WILLIAM HOWAED TAFT 

facts and details with which those who are responsi- 
ble shall become familiar, so as to enable them to make 
plans, draft legislation, and feel confident that the re- 
sult of that legislation, when carried out, will bring 
out specific benefits. 

Facts Are Essential. 

"You have got to be specific. You have got to come 
down to facts in order to get dollars. "When you ask 
millions out of the treasury the burden is on you to 
make your case. But it ought to be most satisfactory 
to you to know that the conditions of the public mind 
is ripe for such improvements as you will demonstrate 
the practicability of them, the feasibility and the benefit 
of them." 

President Arrives Home After a Stormy Trip. 

Landing from the armored cruiser Tennessee at Fort- 
ress Monroe this afternoon after a flying visit to the 
Isthmus of Panama, President Taft came to Richmond 
tonight to be the guest of the citizens of the old Con- 
federate capital for twenty-four hours. Mr. Taft dined 
at the Westmoreland Club, and later held an informal 
reception at the Commonwealth Club. He was enter- 
tained at the Jefferson Hotel. 

The President will breakfast with Governor Mann 
at the executive mansion, will motor over some 
of the battlefields surrounding Richmond, enter- 
tanied at luncheon and will speak in the after- 
noon to the Virginia Educational conference. The 
President will reach "Washington to-morrow night. 

On his way to Richmond this afternoon Mr. Taft 
stayed half an hour at Williamsburg to visit the 



WILLIAM HOWARD TAFT 321 

old William and Mary College and the Burton Parish 
Church. From the pulpit of this historic church, which 
dates from 1632, he made a little speech in which he de- 
clared that the making of the constitution and the mak- 
ing of the nation were indelibly linked with the men 
who lived in Williamsburg and other parts of Virginia. 

The President Recommends That Congress 

Enact a ship subsidy law. 

Make the tariff board permanent. 

Create a national bureau of public health. 

Stop legislating for corporation regulation. 

Increase the number of officers of the Army. 

Establish a new banking and currency system. 

Provide for the fortification of the Panama Canal. 

Increase second-class postage rates on magazines. 

Place all postmasters in the classified civil service. 

Provide for completion of Pacific island fortifications. 

Relieve the Supreme Court from unnecessary appeals. 

Enact anti-injunction and Federal incorporation laws. 

Establish the parcels post on rural free delivery 
routes. 

Fix Panama canal tolls at not more than $1 a net ton. 

Make public appropriations on a scientific basis. 

Provide for two new battleships and other naval 
vessels. 

Make provision for retiring superannuated Govern- 
ment clerks. 

Extend civil service principles to diplomatic and 
consular corps. 

Prohibit interstate railroads from owning canal-navi- 
gating ships. 



322 WILLIAM HOWAED TAFT 

Appropriate money to determine valuations of inter- 
state railroads. 

Adopt the lease system for public mineral and water- 
power lands. 

Increase fines of steamship companies for violating 
immigration laws. 

Make some recognition of Peary's feat in discovering 
the North Pole. 

Reimburse the Southern Pacific for its Imperial Val- 
ley flood expenditures. 

Of the whole United States population of 93,402,151, 
and if the Philippine Islands be included, will make a 
grand total of 101,100,000. Ohio stands fourth in the 
rank of the 52 dependencies of United States, and Cin- 
cinnati owes $125.40 for each of her inhabitants. 

The official figures on the different states having been 
announced, it will remain for Congress to decide the 
basis of representation. 

The President Reports to Congress That 

"Pork barrel" appropriations must stop. 

The postoffice is on a self-sustaining basis. 

Porto Rico needs a new form of government. 

The Philippines are tranquil and prosperous. 

Reciprocity with Canada is under consideration. 

The Government must provide dry docks at Panama. 

Postal savings banks will be established January 
1, 1912. 

The army and militia need a general reorganization. 

The tariff board is not ready to report any schedules. 

Every foreign country is paying the minimum tariff. 

The total cost of the Panama Canal will be $375,-. 
000,000. 



WILLIAM HOWARD TAFT 323 

Some of the tariff criticisms are just, and others 
are not. 

This is the time to strengthen the confidence of 
capital. 

Great economies have been effected in the customs 
service. 

The Chinese government railroad loan is satisfactor- 
ily placed. 

It will cost $630,494,013.12 to run the Government 
another year. 

The estimated receipts for the next fiscal year are 
$680,000,000. 

The crying need of the United States is cheaper 
court litigation. 

Immigration ought to be diverted from the port of 
New York. 

He will not recommend any tariff legislation until 
December, 1911. 

The nation's agricultural products were $8,926,- 
000,000 for the year. 

The Supreme Court will soon show the limitations of 
anti-trust laws. 

The Panama Canal will be completed within the time 
fixed, January 1, 1915. 

The census of 1910 is the best ever taken. 

Our foreign relations are peaceable and pleasant. 

Taft for Peace. 

"Coming at this particular moment, the praise which 
Sir Edward Grey, as foreign secretary and acting 
premier, expressed in the British House of Commons 
last night for President Taft's influential stand in 
favor of international arbitration and against war, is 
doubly grateful to patriotic Americans. Coming in the 



324 WILLIAM HOWAED TAFT 

very midst of the evolutions of the navy and army of 
the United States on the boarder of Mexico — which 
have been construed in some quarters as menacing 
international peace — it recognizes their perfect recon- 
ciliation with a policy of amity by emphasizing the 
frank, genial, justice-seeking, peace-loving character 
of President Taft. 

"The president has the confidence of the American 
people at large, who are not unmindful of several 
aspects of matters toward the South, making it highly 
advisable that American interests should not be left in 
such a position that they will seem likely to be with- 
out protection in case of an emergency. An ounce of 
prevention is worth a pound of cure. The army as a 
policeman, patrolling a block in which turbulence 
existed and menacing intrusions had been threatened, 
becomes a most efficient guarantee of peace. The per- 
sons and property of American citizens in Mexico are 
safer because of the neighborhood of American troops 
on American soil. Moving ships of war into the Gulf 
of Mexico and troops onto the Texan shore of that 
gulf has brought them within easy reach of the Panama 
Canal, whose fortification will proceed peacefully and 
under normal conditions, will be employed in the inter- 
est of peace in time to come. 

"There is no other country on earth which has done, 
or can do, or intends to do, as much as this great Ameri- 
can republic for the grand cause of world-peace, inter- 
national good understanding and the substitution at 
the earliest possible date of arbitration for the rude 
and crude resort to war in settlement of disagree- 
ments between nations." 

The President's attitude toward the trouble in Mex- 
ico scores a victory for the United States in the 
world's eye. 

"The United States Supreme Court, it is said, has 
held that the United States authorities are required 
only to clear goods to the persons in charge of the 
customs houses in a foreign port of entry. 



WILLIAM HOWARD TAFT 325 

"There is no exact American precedent for the case 
presented on the border at this time, though similar 
questions have frequently arisen in other countries. 
The President of the United States has the unrestricted 
power to close any customs house; but it is apparent 
that Mr. Taft will not exercise it either in the case of 
Juarez or other border towns. 

"The Mexican government may declare the port of 
Juarez closed as a port of entry and thus create an 
embargo, but the insurrectos could laugh at an em- 
bargo which the Federals could not enforce; and this 
government's attitude would not be affected by the 
situation on the Mexican side of the border." 

Taft Called Meeting. 

"The news of the capture of Juarez by the insurgent 
forces of Mexico was followed today by a meeting of 
the President and Secretaries Knox, of the State De- 
partment, and Dickinson, of the War Department, 
and Major General Leonard A. Wood, Chief of Staff, 
U. S. A. 

"All of these officials explained the meeting as hav- 
ing for its sole purpose, plans for the assistance of 
the wounded who had been allowed to come across into 
American territory. Shortly after the conference, the 
President communicated with the Red Cross, and $1,000 
was telegraphed for the care of the wounded on both 
sides. 

"In order to carry out the wishes of the War De- 
partment, Ernest P. Bicknell, a national officer of the 
Red Cross, left Washington for El Paso tonight, to 
organize a medical and nurse force." 

The office of the vice-president has often been called 
into question, and there is no better time to explain 
his right than to quote the following: 

"Vice-President James S. Sherman, in an address 
at the banquet in Baltimore of the Baltimore Chapter 



326 WILLIAM HOWAED TAFT 

of the American Institute of Bank Clerks, showed his 
intense Americanism. Among other things he said: 
'The United States has a government so great and 
so self-sustaining that it does not have to ask any odds 
of any other power, but it is not going around with a 
chip on its shoulder, and,' he added, 'its object is to 
advance the interests of international peace through- 
out the world.' He also said that there should be such 
modification of the procedure in the United States 
Senate that the country would not witness again the 
spectacle of one, two or three men controlling things 
by filibustering tactics. He also deplored that a mem- 
ber sitting silent in his seat should be considered ab- 
sent, though absolutely there. "While Mr. Sherman 
was very active while a member of the House and is 
himself a good parliamentarian, he has no power what- 
ever to inject any House methods into the dry-as-dust 
Senate. 

The White House Silver Wedding". 

From the Christian Herald we use the following quo- 
tations : 

"The 19th of June, a quarter-century ago, William 
Howard Taft, a young lawyer, and Miss Helen L. Her- 
ron, eldest of the five daughters of Judge John William 
Herron of Ohio, were married in the distinguished old 
family mansion of the Herrons in Cincinnati. It is a 
favorite after-dinner story now among the Taft-Herron 
connection that the "ambitious young lawyer," in 
the exhilaration of his first love for her, confidently 
promised "Miss Helen," if she would but become his 
bride, he would never stop in the pathway of his un- 
bounded ambition and love, until he had raised her to 
the lofty position of First Lady in the Land. 

"An exalted promise, indeed! But the propitious 
stars that shaped the course of President Taft seem 
never to have changed. For twenty-five years the 
young lawyer, United States Judge, Governor of the 
Philippines, Secretary of War, never wavered nor for- 



WILLIAM HOWARD TAFT 327 

got his promise. From one point to the next, with 
dignity and force, Mr. Taft steadily advanced along 
the blazed trail of successful statesmanship; until 
finally the day came when he was regarded as the one 
man best fitted for the highest position the American 
nation has within its power to bestow. There was a 
time, to be sure, when Mr. Taft very much desired to 
be a Supreme Court Judge, but his wife, ever ambitious 
for his onward march to the very top, held him to his 
schoolboy resolve, constantly urged him on to the 
fulfilment of his early ambition, and on the 19th of 
June, 1911, that high-hearted, boyish pledge, fulfiled, 
was celebrated with pomp and splendor in the Execu- 
tive Mansion at Washington. Who can realize what 
that silver wedding anniversary really meant to the 
President and the First Lady of the land. 

' ' The silver wedding anniversary of the Chief Execu- 
tive of the 90,000,000 of people in the United States of 
America was made an occasion for felicitations and 
congratulations of monarchs and rulers of every coun- 
try and kingdom in the civilized world and of business 
and social organizations, personal friends, and in- 
numerable individuals unknown to the White House. 

"The historic home of American Presidents, with its 
vast gardens and lawns, was turned into a veritable 
fairyland for the occasion. Outlining the classic 
beauty of the famous old White Manor, every cornice 
and angle and gable was pricked out with electric 
light, and many incandescent bulbs festooned the 
capitals and encircled the pillars. In the stately gar- 
dens, the trees and shrubberies were threaded through 
and through with tens of thousands of tiny electric 
lights, while gigantic ferns and potted plants, trans- 
planted from the Agricultural and White House Con- 
servatories for the night, were brilliantly lighted up. 
What appeared to be endless lines of Japanese lanterns 
stretched along the driveways, walkways and garden 
paths leading to the majestic Potomac, while a giant 
searchlight, placed on the apex of the Treasury Build- 



328 WILLIAM HOWAED TAFT 

ing near by, playing directly upon the foundations and 
the moving throngs, niagicked the scene into one of 
remarkable splendor and brilliancy. 

"A unique part of the magnificent lighting scheme 
was immense American flags made of electric light 
bulbs flashing their vari-colored radiance above each 
pillared portal. Within the "White House the principal 
decorations were American Beauty roses in bunches 
of tweney-five. The wedding gifts, which were costly 
and numerous, included tokens of esteem from the 
Cabinet, the Supreme Court, the Senate, the House of 
Representatives, the Philippine Party, the Army, the 
Navy, the National Press Club, and many royal gifts 
and greetings from emperors and kings and foreign 
dignitaries. The gifts were on view in a unique way, 
for they were placed about the rooms so as to form part 
of the scheme of decoration. 

"Among the most notable of these, all in solid silver, 
were three dozen service plates from the House of 
Representatives ; a magnificent fern dish from the Presi- 
dent 's Yale Class, (1878) ; an antique platter from his 
college fraternity (Psi Upsilon) ; two Grecian ewers, 
and a salver from the "Tafters," the Philippine Party 
of 1905 ; a mammoth loving-cup from the Commercial 
Club of Cincinnati ; a large antique fruit dish from the 
"Washington newspaper correspondents; a dinner ser- 
vice from the Supreme Court ; another from the Senate ; 
a set of lemonade bowl, ladle and salver from the people 
of Maryland, the gift selected by a special committee 
appointed by their Governor; a pitcher and tray from 
the celebrated Gridiron Club; and superb gifts from 
each member of the Cabinet and diplomatic corps, and 
from the leading families of Washington and nearly 
every other large city in America. 

"Among the unique gifts was a diminutive platinum 
locket-watch for Mrs. Taft, from the wives of forty 
of the generals of the Army. It is studded thickly 
with diamonds, and hangs upon a platinum chain, simi- 
larly decorated. Another was from Miss Harriett 



WILLIAM HOWAED TAFT 329 

Waters Forbush of Lancaster, Mass., a distant relative 
of the President, and was one of the wedding shoes of 
their common ancestor, his great-great-grandmother. 

"One of the most interesting features of the day was 
the short speech with which the President responded to 
and accepted the gift of a massive silver bowl filled 
with roses sent by the Business Men's Commercial Club 
of Cincinnati. President James Albert Green, on be- 
half of the club, announced : 

" 'Mr. Taft, we have no axes to grind, no petitions 
to present; we come simply as friends from home, to 
assure you of our affection and of our loyalty. In 
doing this we believe we express the sentiment of the 
whole country when we say that the esteem in which 
we have always held you mounts higher day by day. 
We shine in your reflected glory, and, no matter how 
much the nation may claim it, yet always, in the last 
analysis, you are William Howard Taft, of Cincinnati, 
Ohio.' 

" 'As I look about this table,' the President re- 
sponded, 'and exercise such memory as has been left 
to me after my experience in Washington, almost every 
face brings up some incident of my life in Cincinnati 
that I like to cherish. And, as the time grows nearer 
when I shall go back there to make it my permanent 
home, as a retiring place for one-ex-president, the 
pleasure of anticipation and retrospection as to my 
friendships there grows greater and greater.' 

"Mrs. Taft's gown for the occasion was of white silk 
brocade, with a court train embroidered with silver 
roses. Miss Helen Taft, who gracefully assisted her 
mother in receiving, wore a girlish dress of rose pink 
or Helen pink. 

"No story of this national function would be com- 
plete without a description of the famous wedding 
cake, which was a triumph of the confectioner's art. 
Around the base of the great cake were twenty-five 
American flags, made of frosting and sugar, the stripes 
of each flag being over three inches long. Fruits and 



330 WILLIAM HOWAKD TAFT 

flowers made entirely of sugar, were artistically heaped 
upon and surmounted with silver-frosted wedding 
bells." 

Amidst the arduous duties interspersed with social 
pleasures, the President devotes one night each week 
to an attendance upon the theatre, lending his presence 
and that of Mrs. Taft to the first night. At the same 
time keeping in close touch with the musical and liter- 
ary life of his own city. 

In response to an invitation from the council of the 
Union of American Hebrew congregations President 
Taft sent the following message: 

"I greatly regret my inability to attend the banquet. 
I should like to be able to testify in my speech to my 
admiration for the Jewish people, my conviction that 
they constitute a valuable element in our American 
citizenship and make most effectively for artistic im- 
provement, educational progress, the extension of 
charity and the maintenance of law and order." 

In addition to this he sends a letter. 

Letter From President Taft to "Young Friends" 
Is Read. 

In Cincinnati alone several thousand signatures were 
obtained for the Lincoln Temperance Pledge, which 
reached 2,000,000 signers. 

To the Sunday schools the executive sent the follow- 
ing letter: 

"The excessive use of intoxicating liquors is the 
cause of a great deal of poverty, degradation and 
crime in the world, and one who abstains from such 
use avoids dangerous temptation. Abraham Lincoln 
showed that he believed this in writing out for his boy 



WILLIAM HOWAED TAFT 331 

friends the pledge of total abstinence. Each person 
must determine for himself the course he will take in 
reference to his tastes and appetites, but those who 
exercise the self-restraint to avoid altogether the temp- 
tation of alcoholic liquor are on the safe and wiser 
side." 

With the thermometer 100° in the shade, news flashes 
across the wires that Mr. Taft is giving reciprocity a 
sanely cool treatment, which he doubtless hopes will 
save it from being sunstruck in the Capital. His bears 
the heat and the burden, but he does not shun the one 
and he makes light of the other. He deserves to sit 
in the shade with success as his companion when the 
September breeze blows fresh at Beverly. 

Reciprocity is one thing and politics is another, 
Presidential energy may be contagious, and perhaps 
Secretary Hilles can not help it, but he can save some 
of his strength units for service when the thermometer 
has grown tired of climbing. Mr. Hilles is concerning 
himself, so the dispatches say, with securing help for 
the cause of renomination. This is something about 
which, nothing like concern seems necessary. It is prob- 
ably the least of Mr. Taft's worries; and the others can 
not be body and soul breaking when a man can stand 
up and smile under them with the mercury on a level 
with his head. Mr. Hilles may start the electric fan 
and sit easy. Reciprocity and Renomination are in 
close partnership. 

"Be Sane; Do Not Sacrifice Lives." 

He expresses great sympathies for mothers in the 
annual loss of the little ones. 



332 WILLIAM HOWARD TAFT 

The Times Star Special Dispatch sends forth the fol- 
lowing : 

"Standing on the rear platform of his private car, 
President Taft addressed a crowd on the necessity of 
observing the Fourth of July in a sane and safe manner 
here, early today. The train convevins 1 the President 
arrived at 7:55, on its way from Beverly, Mass., to 
Marion, Ind., where the President will make an ad- 
dress, July 3, 1911. 

" 'Statistics,' said the President, 'show the terrible 
loss to the children in life and limb because of an 
insane and foolish observance of the National holiday. 
When we think of the way the Fourth of July has been 
observed, and the terrible consequences resultant upon 
such observance, it ought to make us blush that we 
have not taken the means to stop it. 

" 'When we contemplate the terrible loss of life 
and the permanent injury inflicted upon our people, 
we realize how it becomes incumbent on our city 
councils to enact ordinances compelling the observ- 
ances of the National holiday in a sensible way. The 
men who framed our constitution and who signed the 
Declaration of Independence were not men to counte- 
nance a foolish and insane tribute to their work, and 
while the war for indepenednce was not peaceful, it 
was surely sensible and conducted along lines of the 
common-sense that characterized the men who fought 
it. 

" 'As to the children and their fun, I am merely re- 
minded of the mother who had five of them and who, 
on the Fourth of July, wrung her hands and said, 'With 
the plague of their living and the fear of their dying, 
I shall go crazy.' 

" 'It is our duty to rid the mothers of the country 
of the plague of their children living and the fear of 
their children dying, by passing ordinances forbidding 
the cannon cracker, the top pistol and all other menaces 
to childhood.' " 



WILLIAM HOWARD TAFT 333 

THE FLAG OF LIBERTY. 

In the liquid blue there's a sheen today, 
A commingle of Blue and White and Red; 
A sheen that is seen far over the way 
Tho mist enshrouded and veiled in spray, 
Holds high in the sky, and steers ahead. 

Out of war's clamor and dust and din, 
Many a year she's weathered thru 
Resplendent, in glorv of deeds untold 
More precious to America than acres of gold, 
Bought by the lives of braves so true. 

See ! high in the heavens her flapping folds — 
The oppressed from afar rejoice to be free; 
Childhood's pathway at the rainbow's rim, 
Eyes that are weary and old and dim, 
All saluate this emblem of Liberty. 

The President's Advancement. 

During the past six months President Taft has done 
more to win public esteem for his administration than 
during all the previous period of his service as the chief 
magistrate. The fairness and the catholicity of spirit 
he has manifested in dealing with many diverse and im- 
portant situations have met with quite general appro- 
bation at the seat of government, and thousands of 
persons who formerly mentioned him only to criticise 
are now agreeing with the general verdict that "Presi- 
dent Taft is making good." 

The impress of the President's judicial mind is be- 
coming more and more stamped upon his administra- 
tion. He is an old-fashioned President. He is an eco- 
nomical President. He is a constitutional President. 



334 WILLIAM HOWARD TAFT 

He sees things from every angle and with calm and 
sober poise, works out conclusions that are sound and 
in conformity with the best public policy. He never 
goes off on a tangent. He is making the White House 
a place where peace abides and where every individual 
and every interest has a day in court. 

Washington is the nation's political barometer, and 
the readings of the barometer indicate that the Taft 
administration is growing upon the country as a wise 
and just administration. That it seems good to get 
back to this Jeffersonian simplicity and restfulness is 
the opinion of the people as reflected here. Nothing 
that a President of the United States has said in recent 
years has made a greater hit than the hope Avhich he 
expressed in his recent message that the country might 
now have a rest from agitation. 

It can be said truthfully that now for the first time 
Mr. Taft has a free field and a fair show to carry out 
his own ideas as President; and he is launching out 
along lines which prove that he has a broad, patriotic 
view of the duties of the chief magistracy. 

In addition to his exalted position among the best 
people of the nation and his untiring zeal for the better- 
ment of common people, he has taken time to inform 
himself as to the adjustment of the immigration prob- 
lem, and he fairly explains his position in the following. 

President Taft Sees Difficulties. 

In a speech before the Board of Directors, Editors 
and Publishers of the American Association of Foreign 
Language Newspapers published in the United States, 
President Taft acknowledged that there were a great 



WILLIAM HOWARD TAFT 335 

many very serious difficulties in the way of excluding 
aliens, and he then remarked of his intervention in a 
case which has developed some pathetic features: 

"I went myself last fall," said he, "to Ellis Island, 
and stayed there thru a morning listening to the cases 
that were presented to the Commissioner. I inter- 
vened once or twice, the statements made having 
worked upon my compassion, and I indicated an opin- 
ion to the Commissioner once or twice when I rather 
think he would have taken a different course but for 
my suggestion. I have followed those cases in which 
I influenced against his better judgment, and I am 
obliged to make the humiliating confession to you that 
the outcome vindicated him and showed that my judg- 
ment was at fault for lack of experience. 

"One of the things to be determined from the cir- 
cumstances presented is whether the man, woman or 
children who are applying for admission are likely to 
become a charge upon the public in this country. I 
know you well enough, and I know your views well 
enough to know that when that is the case you would 
not have them accepted. You don't believe that we 
ought to open our doors for the purpose of filling our 
charitable institutions with foreign people who ought 
to be put in charitable institutions at home. On the 
other hand, men who are able to earn their living and 
become a part, and a valuable part, of this country, 
we ought to welcome and encourage in every way. I 
do not think we differ as to the line, of distinction at 
all. The question is of practical application of the 
law. 

"There are certain parts of this Government that I 
understand very well. But immigration is new to me, 
and it is a subject to which I must give as much study 
as I can, being dependent, however, on the men whom 
I have selected to administer the law. 

"One man cannot run the entire Government, and 
it is very well that he cannot. He discharges his duty 



336 WILLIAM HOWAED TAFT 

when he selects men who have the same general veins 
on governmental policies as he has, and then trusts 
to them the administration of the laws. 

"If you are continually pulling a man's coat-tail 
when making a speech, you can't except anything but 
a poor speech. And so it is with reference to the 
administration of the Federal law thru departments.' ' 

Believing that all men are equal in the sight of God, 
the "White House doors now swing open to all of the 
progressives of both House and Senate, and for the first 
time since Mr. Taft became President progressives ap- 
pear daily to discuss public questions with him. 

Brotherly Kindness. 

The same fact is true with reference to senators and 
representatives who are known as conservatives, with- 
out being wholly reactionary. The President, in short, 
is doing a fine job of obliterating factionalism and 
welding the party together into a harmonious working 
organization. 

The President's judicial appointments have had a 
most remarkably pleasing effect, and many persons 
marvel that he has been able to select judges with 
such happy discrimination. Ten days ago it looked as 
if a big storm were brewing over the judicial appoint- 
ments. 

No Criticism. 

"When the appointments were made public, the pro- 
gressives had no word of criticism. Of the five appoint- 
ments President Taft has made to the Supreme bench 
during his administration, three are Democrats and two 



WILLIAM HOWAED TAFT 337 

are Republicans, so even the most partisan Democrats 
must admit that he is not bound by any narrow ideas 
of partisanship. 

President Taft is not a man who "plays politics." 
There probably never was a President who had less of 
a mere "policy" in his make-up, and yet the fact re- 
mains that one of the sheer results of doing the right 
thing, of giving the progressives their share of patron- 
age, of recognizing only the rublic interest in making 
judicial appointments, of holding down executive esti- 
mates to the lowest notch, and so on, is to put the Re- 
publican party in the very best shape to face the 
future. 

President Taft's administration, now that he has out- 
lined his course with definiteness, is to be a business 
administration, free from unnecessary agitation ; a fair 
administration, in which the rights of progressives will 
be safeguarded equally with the rights of conserva- 
tives; a vigorous administration, in which the heavy 
hand of the department of justice will be laid on every 
law-defying trust, just as it is now being laid on the 
sugar trust. 

One feature of President Taft's administration that 
stands out strikingly to those who are in close contact 
with it, is his determination, in so far as his power ex- 
tends, to hold down the expenditures of the Govern- 
ment to the actual needs of the service when economi- 
cally administered. He is a stickler for economy, and 
by insisting upon an unsparing use of the paring knife 
on the estimates he is saving the people many millions 
of dollars annually. 

There has not been a President in the "White House 
since the Civil War era who looked so closely after the 



338 WILLIAM HOWARD TAFT 

people's dollars. As a result of lr i practical economical 
policy many avenues of departmental waste have been 
closed and the departments are being run more nearly 
on business principles than ever before. 

As life is an unfoldment, every government is a 
growth which consists in eliminating dead matter and 
evolving new tissue. So the true worth of President 
Taft could not be caught and crystalized into a for- 
mula ; it had to be demonstrated, and he had to live it. 
Every department in the political life should make a 
constant and systematic effort to follow out the sug- 
gestions of one so wise, progressive and devoted to 
high ideals. 

In that notable message President Taft thus ex- 
presses his views on the provision for the veterans of 
the Civil War : 

"The uniform policy of the government in the matter 
of granting pensions to those gallant and devoted men 
who fought to save the life of the nation in the 
perilous days of the great Civil War, has always been 
of the most liberal character. Those men are now 
rapidly passing away. The best obtainable official 
statistics show that they are dying at the rate of 
something over three thousand a month, and in view 
of their advancing years, this rate must inevitably, in 
proportion, rapidly increase. To the man who risked 
everything on the field of battle to save the nation in 
the hour of its direst need, we owe a debt which has 
not been and should not be computed in a begrudging 
or parsimonious spriti. But while we should be actu- 
ated by this spirit to the soldier himself, care should 
be exercised not to go to absurd lengths or distribute 
the bounty of the Government to classes of persons 
who may, at this late day, from a mere mercenary 
motive, seek to obtain some legal relation with an old 
veteran now tottering on the brink of the grave. The 



WILLIAM HOWARD TAFT 339 

true spirit of the pension laws is to be found in the 
noble sentiments expressed by Mr. Lincoln in his last 
inaugural address, wherein, in speaking of the nation's 
duty to its soldiers when the struggle should be over, 
he said we should "care for him who shall have borne 
the battle, and for his widow and orphans '." 

Canadian Reciprocity. 

An explanation of the Canadian Reciprocity would 
not come amiss here. 

The Canadian reciprocity agreement, long awaited, 
has been submitted to the Senate and House in a special 
message by President Taft. The greatest tumult of 
the session and of the entire 61st Congress has ensued. 
It is not a treaty, although often alluded to as such, 
but simply an agreement signed by Secretary of State 
Knox, acting for the United States, and W. S. Field- 
ing, Minister of Finance, and William Patterson, Min- 
ister of Customs, on behalf of the Dominion of Canada. 

Its ratification and consequent enforcement can come 
only by legislation through the usual channels. It 
must be enacted by the Canadian Parliament at Ottawa 
and by the Senate and House at Washington. In sub- 
stance it is a tariff revision bill, and one of its leading 
features is the placing of foodstuffs upon the free list. 
There are about 100 articles, now protected by a duty, 
which will come in free if the agreement is ratified. 
These include cattle, sheep and hogs, much to the dis- 
satisfaction of Senators and Representatives of the Re- 
publican party in the Middle West ; wheat, rye, oats and 
barley, which sets New York, Minnesota and other 
grain-growing states along the border by the ears; 
fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy products, honey, cotton 



340 WILLIAM HOWAED TAFT 

seed oil, fish, lumber, wood pulp paper, and a few arti- 
cles of iron and steel manufacture. 

The Democrats have hailed the agreement with satis- 
faction. It is in line with such a tariff revision as they 
contemplate. The President has set forth the advan- 
tages of the proposed free list in his message, and, as 
far as Washington has yet been able to determine the 
sentiment of the country, the attempted reductions 
please consumers quite generally. 

Another feature of the agreement is the equaliza- 
tion of duties, by which is meant fixing similar rates 
of duty for many articles of manufacture that cross 
the border in international commerce. In other words, 
Canada reduces in many instances the duties she has 
been charging for goods going into Canada to the 
same figure that the United States charges for the 
same kind of Canadian goods coming into the United 
States. The outcry in Congress is that Canada gets 
the greatest benefit therefrom. However, there is not 
so much complaint on this score as there is on the 
proposed free list. 

Meat Pays Duty. 

The duties are not abolished on meats. The duties 
on flour, however, are reduced. Barley malt, produced 
extensively in New York and Minnesota, is an example. 
The duty under the Aldrich-Payne tariff is 45 cents a 
bushel. The present Canadian duty is 45 cents per 
hundredweight. The proposed duty under the agree- 
ment is 45 cents per hundredweight. The Aldrich- 
Payne rate on fresh mutton and lamb is IV2 cents a 
pound; the Canadian duty 3 cents a pound. The 
agreement makes the mutual rate l 1 /^ cents a pound, 



WILLIAM HOWAED TAFT 341 

a slight reduction. Our duty on wheat flour is 25 per 
cent; the Canadian duty 60 cents a barrel. The com- 
promise rate is 50 cents a barrel. 

The manufacturers of farm machinery have been 
trying to get into the Canadian market on better 
terms. The Canadian duty on most articles of that 
class is 20 per cent. By the agreement the Canadian 
duty is reduced to 15 per cent. Cotton-seed oil is one 
of the free list items, and that pleases the South. 

President Taft is pressing for early ratification. 

Ratification has come at last. Notwithstanding the 
refusal of the Republicans to accept the Canadian 
Reciprocity bill, it was passed by the Senate, July 22, 
without any conflicting amendments. The President 
could not have the pleasure of signing it. The rules 
require that after a House bill passes the Senate it 
must go back to the speaker for his signature, and 
that the speaker must announce while the House is 
in session that he has signed it. By a vote of 53 to 
27, practically 2 to 1, President's Taft's fondest dream 
was realized. Out of the 53 votes in favor of the bill, 
32 were Democrats, 21 Republicans; and of the 27 
against, 24 were Republicans, and 3 Democrats. 

The President received many congratulations, but 
being a just and upright man, declared that too much 
credit could not be accorded to Secretary Knox, who 
was really entitled to the greatest praise. 

Senator Penrose of Pennsylvania, the leader of the 
reciprocity fight, came in for his full share of congrat- 
ulations as he made his way through the Union Sta- 
tion to the President's car on the 5:35 train, exclaim- 
ing, "It was easy." And yet the vote was beyond ex- 
pectation, and the President was highly pleased. 



342 WILLIAM HOWAED TAFT 

The President arrived at "Parramatta," the new 
cottage, shortly after 8 o'clock, having motored just 
one hour out from Boston. Mrs. Taft, Miss Helen Taft 
and Charlie were waiting. They breakfasted for the 
first time together since his departure from Beverly 
for the West, July 2nd. 

After their return from Lynn, a distance of ten 
miles, from attendance on the services of Rev. Dr. 
Robert Collyer of New York, who preached at the First 
Unitarian Church. 

They Rested. 

The first expression of delight at the noble action 
of the Senators the President gave to the stenographer 
directly after lunch. He used the personal pronoun 
(I) — an unusual proceeding coming from the White 
House, but he wished these statements to be known 
as strictly his own. The first statement reads as 
follows : 

"That I am very much pleased with the passage of 
the Canadian reciprocity bill through both houses of 
congress goes without saying. I believe and hope it 
will be followed by similar action by the dominion 
parliament. In my judgment, the going into effect of 
the agreement will mark a new epoch in the relations 
between the United States and Canada, and it will 
tend to a marked increase in the trade between the 
two countries, which will be in every way beneficial 
to both." 

Gives Knox Credit. 

"I hope the credit that belongs to Secretary Knox 
and his special assistants at the state department in the 
negotiating and framing of the pact, and their lucid 
explanation and defense of its terms, will not be with- 
held. 



WILLIAM HOWAED TAFT 343 

"In a sense, the bill passed was a non-partisan 
measure, though the Republicans who voted for it prob- 
ably did so on an economic theory and the Democrats 
who voted for it on another. I should be wanting 
in straightforward speaking, however, if I did not 
freely acknowledge the credit that belongs to the 
Democratic majority in the house and the Democratic 
minority in the Senate for their consistent support of 
the measure, in an earnest and sincere desire to secure 
its passage. Without this, reciprocity would have 
been impossible. 

Praises Democrats. 

"It would not have been difficult for them to fasten 
upon the bill amendments affecting the tariff gen- 
erally in such a way as to embarrass the executive and 
to make it doubtful whether he could sign the bill, 
and yet to claim popular approval for their support 
of reciprocity in its defeat. In other words, the Demo- 
crats did not 'play politics,' in the colloquial sense 
in which those words are used, but they followed the 
dictates of a higher policy. 

"We Republicans who have earnestly sought reci- 
procity and some of whose votes were necessary to the 
passage of the bill, may properly enjoy mutual felici- 
tations on a work well done. To those who opposed 
the bill, on the ground that it will do harm to the 
farmers, we can only say that we who have supported 
the passage of the bill look forward to the test of the 
actual operation of the reciprocity measure to dis- 
prove their prophecies and allay their fears. The 
satisfaction which actual experience in its working 
will give, we can confidently hope, will secure its 
permanency. In a decade its benefits will contribute 
much to a greater United States and a greater Can- 
ada." 

It is evident that the Democrats did not plan poli- 
tics in this fight, but, as the President says, "They 



344 WILLIAM HOWAED TAFT 

followed the dictates of a higher policy." Now those 
who fought the just fight may properly enjoy mutual 
felicitations, and the benefit will be great, in propor- 
tion as the people appreciate the following calendar 
fight : 

March 30, 1910. Following the announcement of a 
complete agreement with Canada on maximum and 
minimum provisions of the Payne-Aldrich tariff law, 
President Taft invited a conference on closer trade 
relations. 

January 7, 1911. Canadian representatives arrive. 

January 8-21. Reciprocity negotiators in session. 

January 26. President Taft sends agreement to 
Senate. 

January 28. McCall (Republican) introduces reci- 
procity bill. 

February 14. Passed House, 221 to 93. For it, Re- 
publicans 78, and Democrats 143. Against it, Repub- 
licans 87, and Democrats 6. 

March 4. Senate adjourns without action. 

April 4. Congress convenes in extra session to ratify 
agreement. 

April 12. Democratic leader Underwood introduces 
bill. 

April 21. Passes House, 267 to 89. For it, Republic- 
ans 64, and Democrats 203. Against it, Republicans 
78, and Democrats 11. 

April 24. Senate Finance Committee receives House 
bill. 

June 13. Finance Committee reports without recom- 
mendation. 

June 14. Senate debate is begun. 



WILLIAM HOWARD TAFT 345 

June 26. Senate defeats Root paper amendment to 
bill. 

July 22. Senate passes bill, 53 to 27. 

Both the President and Sir Wilfred Laurier, Premier 
of Canada, gave full and free expression to their ac- 
knowledgement of the benefits to accrue from this 
world-wide agreement, and sent the following notable 
forewords to the waiting peoples. 

All Gain, Says Taft. 

"The whole country — farmer, manufacturer, rail- 
road company, middleman, warehouseman — all will be 
the gainer. Certainly with respect to corn, the Ameri- 
can farmer is King, and will remain so. The advan- 
tages we give the Canadian farmer will not hurt our 
farmer, for the price will remain the same; but by 
patronizing our elevators, our flour mills, our railroads, 
he will secure admission to the world's markets at 
less cost to himself, while we will secure the advan- 
tages of increased trade for our elevators, our mills, 
our railroads, and our commission men." 

Laurier Is Satisfied. 

"I am more convinced that reciprocity will be a 
good thing for this country and the United States, 
and therefore I am prepared to go before the country 
on the sound and reasonable treaty we have made with 
our neighbors. My earnest hope is that the year 1914 
will witness a fitting celebration in honor of the 100 
years of peace between Great Britain and Canada and 
the United States, and I trust and believe that the 
friendly relations now existing will never be dis- 
turbed." 



346 WILLIAM HOWAED TAFT 

THEY FLOAT TOGETHER. 

Behold it ! as it upward flies, 
Its radiant colors rippling in the wind — - 
Not flaunting pride, doth it symbolize, 
But love of country and mankind. 
Behold it! as it waves on high — 

Its red for valor, white for truth; 
Proclaim a Union strong to defy 

All tyranny, time and ruth. 
Behold it! as it beams afar — 
Its star be-spangled field of blue 
Eesplendent, with its shielding bar 

Alternate crimson and white so true. 
Behold it! as it floats beside 

The Union Jack this Empire Day- 
Forgetful of the past whate'er betide 

Let Loyalty and Peace have sway. 

President Taft Comes to His Own. 

Only a few months ago the very heart seemed to 
have been eaten out of the Republican party. Taft 
was unable to make headway. Those magnificent qual- 
ities of progressive leadership which gained him the 
ungrudging recognition of the men closest to him and 
of those who knew him best, seemed to be unable to 
arouse the appreciation of the country generally. His 
achievements as an executive, the achievements of a 
Congress that acted in harmony with him in the carry- 
ing out of a legislative programme more ambitious 
than any Congress in the history of the nation, met 
with no popular acknowledgement. The public press 
was poisoned against him; despite the high courage 
he had shown on every occasion, the same old cry of 
a lack of backbone was raised. "He's a good fellow, 
but — " was the verdict of some of the high-priced spe- 



WILLIAM HOWAED TAFT 347 

cial writers who traversed the country to get at the 
popular verdict. "Taft: Can he come back?" another 
wanted to know, going to great pains to argue the 
negative of the proposition. These same writers could 
not be brought to similar presentation of the situation 
today for love or money. For Taft has come back. 

People's Choice. 

Gradually the people have come to a realization of 
the character of the man who is presiding over the 
councils of the nation. At last, President Taft's per- 
formances have begun to appeal to the public imagina- 
tion as well as to the public common sense. His stand 
on reciprocity with Canada has brought him support- 
ers from every section of the country from among 
men who had regarded him with indifference, not to 
say disfavor. The people generaly have shown their 
sympathy with the President in his fight for the adop- 
tion of the measure now pending in the Senate, and 
they have made it clear that as between the right and 
justice on one side, and the paper, woolen and lumber 
trusts on the other, they stand by right and justice 
and a President who is determined that both shall 
obtain. 

International Arbitration. 

President Taft's appeal for international arbitration, 
already accepted in substance by such world powers as 
Great Britain, France, Germany, The Netherlands, with 
others prepared to come in — an appeal that makes for 
the peace and happiness of the world as far as human 
ingenuity can be hoped to achieve that monumental 
task — is hailed by thousands as the greatest presiden- 



348 WILLIAM HOWAED TAFT 

tial policy ever inaugurated in this or any other re- 
public. The topic has aroused a discussion world- 
wide in scope and of a purpose so ennobling as to 
evoke the plaudits of the entire civilized world. 

Relations With Mexico and Japan. 

That same spirit of consideration that brought forth 
the policy of international arbitration is responsible 
for the Persident's policy with regard to Mexico. It 
was the same spirit that guided the President to the 
negotiation of a treaty with Japan that removed the 
last lingering traces of irritation and established a real 
friendship between the two nations that had suffered 
much at the hands of disturbers and mischief-makers. 

The President and the Trusts. 

"Where a few months ago President Taft could 
hardly get a respectful hearing, all these matters are 
now highly regarded, and they furnish the topics for 
the political discussions of the day. A year ago the 
people would have denied the administration the credit 
for the valiant, vigorous fight it waged against the 
Standard Oil and tobacco trusts. To-day the Supreme 
Court's decisions in these cases are quoted as evidence 
of President Taft's unyielding courage, his persistence, 
patience, his wisdom. There is no longer a distinction 
in the law between the individual law-breaker and the 
giant corporations that ha^e defied the laws and ruth- 
lessly crushed competitors in the past. His refusal to 
pardon Walsh and Morse, and his lucid presentation 
of the reasons that moved him to that refusal, have 
made an irresistible appeal and have brought the con- 
viction to the minds of the many that bankers owe a 



WILLIAM HOWAED TAFT 349 

duty to the community that must be done, and failure 
can not be excused on the ordinary and commonplace 
grounds that were advanced. The world of big busi- 
ness has been taught a lesson that will never be for- 
gotten, and reorganization to conform to the spirit 
and letter of the law is the order of the day. 

Republicans Uniting. 

The Republican party, at one time torn by factional 
strife, is being reunited. The lineup of insurgency is 
crumbling away. The so-called Insurgents, who at one 
time surrounded La Follette of Wisconsin, are prepared 
to return, almost to a man. The Republican party is 
getting back into form ; the President of the United 
States is coming back into his own. No wonder Sena- 
tor Penrose is moved to prophecy: "President Taft 
will be renominated and re-elected." 

Let the people of the nation sit up and take notice 
that one voice may ascend into the heavens in defense 
of the greatest President (Ruler) of the present day. 
As Private Dalzell has said, so say we all: 

"I like Taft for what he is, and what he is not. 

"He is not a politician. 

"He is not a Pharisee. 

"He is not a demagogue. 

"He does no stunts, poses never, has no hobbies. 
Level-headed, of the judicial temperament, seldom 
mistaken in men or measures, not at all stuck on him- 
self, ready to listen patiently to both sides, and in 
splendid good humor. 

"He calls no man rascal or liar because he can not 
use him. There he differs from the demagogue. He 
is no Puritan or Pharisee, but lives the higher life 
better than either; knowing he is right, goes ahead, 



350 WILLIAM HOWAED TAFT 

tolerant of all faults in factions, and never loses his 
temper. 

"He uses no short, ugly words because you differ 
from him as to men or measures. He cuts no antics. 

"First of all, he was a judge. He needs no instruc- 
tion from the politicians in his duties and privileges 
under Constitution of laws, for no man since John 
Marshall ever so clearly understood their scope and 
limitations. This level-headed, clean, broad, honest 
man, a Simon Pure Democrat, is the President now, and 
next year is sure of re-election, because he has the 
confidence of all our people." 

There never was more truth in the saying that "The 
pen is mightier than the sword," than when President 
Taft, his face beaming in smiles and with light heart, 
signed the reciprocity bill July 26, 1911, in the pres- 
ence of Secretary of State Knox; Nagel, Secretary of 
Commerce and Labor, and Hillis, Secretary to the 
President, Representative Littleton of New York, to- 
gether with a bevy of newspaper men and a battery 
of stenographers. Picking up the pen, the President 
turned to Secretary Knox, saying: "Come over here, 
Brother Knox; you are responsible for this." The 
Secretary of State stood beside the President as he 
wrote his name on the parchment. "It's done," said 
the Secretary. "It's done," responded the President, 
as the two clasped hands across the desk. To accom- 
modate the waiting photographers, the President re- 
peated the motion of signing the act again, a few sec- 
onds later. "I didn't know there was so much interest 
in it as this," he said, "but — " and he was immediately 
snapped wearing one of his heartiest smiles. The gold 
pen used by the President in signing the reciprocity 
treaty was sent to Chairman Penrose of the Senate 



WILLIAM HOWAED TAFT 35 1 

Finance Committee, who led the fight for the bill in 
the Senate. 

OUR COUNTRY. 

'Tis yours by right of Birth, dear friend; 
Its hills, its dales, its fruitful fields; 
Its open door and plenteous yields 
All Good and Happiness doth portend. 

'Tis mine by right of Choice, dear friend; 
For Peace sits smiling at Liberty's feet, 
And man as man his brothers meet, — 
For mine and thine no more contend. 

'Tis ours by right of Grace, dear friend, 
Our Country — Yes! we hold it dear; 
One hand, one heart, one standard rear, 
And pledge our fealty unto the end. 



56 






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